LONDON, UK: British Foreign Minister David Cameron emphasized the imperative for Israel to refrain from conducting offensives in the Gazan city of Rafah without a comprehensive plan to safeguard civilian lives.
Cameron underscored the necessity for a clear strategy to ensure the safety, well-being, and provision of essential resources for civilians affected by any potential offensive.
Expressing concern over the lack of a viable plan to mitigate humanitarian consequences, Cameron asserted the UK’s stance against supporting an offensive in Rafah without adequate measures in place to protect civilians. He urged Israel to prioritize humanitarian considerations, emphasizing the importance of facilitating the delivery of aid and essential supplies to Gaza.
Israel’s recent expansion of evacuation orders for eastern Rafah prompted further airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza. The evacuation, affecting an estimated 300,000 individuals, underscores the intensifying crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Despite international opposition, Israeli forces entered eastern areas of Rafah, impacting vital aid routes and disrupting civilian infrastructure. Cameron reiterated the need for Israel to improve its approach to humanitarian aid distribution, acknowledging some progress but emphasizing the urgency for swifter action.
The ongoing conflict, stemming from Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread devastation in Gaza with nearly 35,000 dead mostly women and children. With casualties mounting in Gaza, Cameron emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
