Your current location:HOME >world >EU urges Israel to 'immediately' end military operation in Rafah 正文
TIME:2024-05-19 11:27:54 Source: Internet compilationEdit:world
Israeli armored vehicles are deployed near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel, on May 9, 2024. [Photo/X
Israeli armored vehicles are deployed near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel, on May 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday urged Israel to end its military operation in Rafah "immediately," stressing that continued military operation would "inevitably put a heavy strain" on its relationship with Israel.
"The European Union is calling on Israel to refrain from further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and reopen the crossing point of Rafah," Josep Borrell, EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a statement.
"Should Israel continue its military operation in Rafah, it would inevitably put a heavy strain on the EU's relationship with Israel," Borrell noted.
Israel's military operation is further disrupting the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and is leading to more internal displacement, exposure to famine and human suffering, he said, adding that more than a million civilians are sheltering in and around Rafah and have been told to evacuate to unsafe areas.
While the EU recognizes Israel's right to defend itself, it must do so in line with the International Humanitarian Law and ensure the safety of civilians, the statement stressed, adding that under the International Humanitarian Law, Israel must allow and facilitate unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians.
Meanwhile, the EU also condemned Hamas's attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing which has further obstructed the delivery of humanitarian relief supplies. It called on all parties to redouble efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Israeli tanks on Tuesday marched towards the center of Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip, as tens of thousands of residents fled to evade an Israeli ground offensive, a local source reported.
Two Moscow concert hall attackers enter Türkiye briefly2024-05-19 11:19
China Vows to Raise Average Life Expectancy2024-05-19 11:17
Smart Health Care Hut Offers Residents Great Convenience in East China2024-05-19 10:57
China Beats Turkey in Women's Volleyball Nations League2024-05-19 10:55
Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 32,845: ministry2024-05-19 10:48
China Focus: China Makes Historic Achievements in Human Rights Protection2024-05-19 10:28
China Focus: CPC Membership Exceeds 96.7 Million2024-05-19 09:31
Beijing 2022 Venue 'Ice Ribbon' Opens to Public2024-05-19 09:22
TJ Maxx job applicant really wants to to work at the store2024-05-19 09:11
China Focus: Multi2024-05-19 08:56
Meet Donald Trump's glamorous right2024-05-19 10:47
UN Launches Guidance Note on Monitoring, Reporting of Children Abducted in Conflicts2024-05-19 10:29
Hong Kong, China hold Turkmenistan in FIFA World Cup qualifier2024-05-19 10:22
Over 25 Mln Foreigners Learning Chinese by End of 2021: Education Ministry2024-05-19 10:16
16 black bear cubs rescued in Lao capital2024-05-19 10:06
China Focus: Multi2024-05-19 10:04
China Tops World in Number of World Natural Heritage Sites2024-05-19 09:49
China Issues Plan for Preserving, Using Cultural Relics Along Yellow River2024-05-19 09:16
Iran launches large2024-05-19 09:12
Hong Kong, China hold Turkmenistan in FIFA World Cup qualifier2024-05-19 08:53