European Union says Israel’s actions in Rafah threaten future relations with them

The European Union said Wednesday that Israel’s military operations inside Rafah would put its relations with the Jewish state under a “heavy strain.”

In a statement, EU officials urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to immediately end the campaign in the city located on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip.

EU officials said they recognize that Israel has a right to defend itself after Oct. 7, when Hamas launched a rampage that resulted in the death of more than 1,200 people and hundreds taken hostage. But any military response must be done in line with international humanitarian law, the EU said.

“This operation is further disrupting the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and is leading to more internal displacement, exposure to famine, and human suffering,” EU officials said. “More than a million civilians are sheltering in and around Rafah and have been told to evacuate to areas that, according to the United Nations, cannot be considered safe.”

Israeli officials said four of Hamas’ remaining six battalions are located inside Rafah, along with much of the Palestinian terror group’s leadership and possibly many hostages. But they have faced growing pressure from the Biden administration to abandon a full-scale operation into the city.

EU officials called on Israel to allow and facilitate unimpeded passage of human relief for civilians in Gaza. They also condemned the recent attack by Hamas on the Kerem Shalom border crossing, which has obstructed the delivery of humanitarian relief.

“We call on all parties to redouble their efforts to achieve an immediate cease-fire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas,” the EU said.