International
Canada, Australia and New Zealand warn Israel against ground incursion in Gaza
Leaders of Canada, Australia, & New Zealand urge Israel to halt a ground incursion into Rafah, Gaza, warning of catastrophic impacts on 1.5M refugees. They call for a humanitarian ceasefire & stress civilian protection under international law.
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Leaders from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have issued a stark warning against Israel’s proposed ground incursion into Rafah, a city in the southern part of Gaza, branding it a “catastrophic” action.
In a rare joint statement, they appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, emphasizing the severe risks of proceeding with the military operation.
Joint statement with @JustinTrudeau and @chrisluxonmp. pic.twitter.com/Egqy6ZyrtZ
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) February 15, 2024
The statement highlighted the dire situation in Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million Palestinians are currently seeking refuge amid escalating violence.
“A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic,” the leaders stated, pointing out the lack of alternatives for civilian evacuation in the densely populated area.
This cautionary plea comes shortly after Israel announced its intentions for a ground offensive in Rafah, described by Netanyahu as “the last bastion” of Hamas’s stronghold.
The move marks a significant escalation in Israel’s military strategy in Gaza, with Rafah being one of the few remaining safe havens for civilians fleeing the conflict.
Before the conflict, Rafah’s population was about 250,000, but the war has seen this number swell to at least 1.3 million, with estimates from several UN agencies suggesting figures closer to 1.5 million. Many of these refugees are sheltered in UN camps and makeshift accommodations under dire conditions.
The leaders also referenced a January ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), stemming from a case brought by South Africa, which underscores Israel’s obligations to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
“The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law,” the joint statement read, asserting that Palestinian civilians must not bear the consequences of actions aimed at Hamas.
🇦🇺🇨🇦🇳🇿🇮🇱 AUSTRALIA – CANADA – NEW ZEALAND – ISRAEL
Australia, Canada and New Zealand have warned Israel against a carrying out a “devastating” and “catastrophic” ground offensive on Rafah in southern Gaza, saying “there is simply nowhere else for civilians to goThe statement… pic.twitter.com/ym3bQQsvKy
— Freddie Ponton 🇫🇷 (@LFCNewsMedia) February 15, 2024
In response to international concerns, Netanyahu took to social media, stating Israel’s intention to “fight until complete victory,” which includes operations in Rafah.
While Netanyahu mentioned efforts to allow civilian populations to vacate combat zones, Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy was hard-pressed in an interview with Channel 4, where he admitted that there is nowhere safe for the civilians to evacuate to.
Some observers suggest that Israel is making a final effort to accomplish its objectives within the one-month period ordered by ICJ, during which it must report on the measures it has implemented to prevent acts of genocide.
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Perhaps its good to reflect the history of Israel back centuries ago…how Israel was conquered y King David. or how the religion war started then. Did biblical or any holy books says God the creator gave land to Ishmael or Issac.
Who is Israel? What is Israel actual name? Is he a person ? Prophet?
Why did god did not gave Israel to Ismael? etc etc
Best go and read….What do you think?
And when Israel chooses to IGNORE such “anti-semitic” warnings?
No whimper from the PAP govt.? Looking forward to allowing the Israelis to showcase their weapons in the airshow? Humanity is dead with our govt.? Either you support the continuous genocide like many on the various threads or you condemn it and expel the Israeli ambassador. There needs further action like Australia, Canada and New Zealand have done. Even some South American countries have expelled the Israeli ambassador in their countries. The worst is to do nothing and allow the massacre!
Canada, Australia, New Zealand= Why no joint statement to ask Hamas free the hostages?