Following an Israeli strike on a displaced persons camp in Rafah that killed at least 45 people, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged “a tragic mistake” which will be investigated.
European foreign ministers have given the green light to the reactivation of an EU border mission in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs said on Monday and security policy, Josep Borrell.
Israel faced new condemnation on Monday for strikes on the city of Rafahin the southern Gaza Strip, which, according to local health authorities, killed at least 45 Palestinians.
However, the head of European diplomacy warned that such a deployment would require the support of Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA).
“We will not do this alone – we are not a security company – and we will do it with a clear political understanding of (its) role,” Mr. Borrell said.
Ireland: “Significant discussion on sanctions”
Foreign ministers have for the first time held a “meaningful” discussion on the possibility of sanctioning Israel if it fails to respect international humanitarian law, the minister said on Monday IrishMicheál Martin.
“There was a very clear consensus on the need to respect international humanitarian legal institutions“, Mr Martin told the press after the Foreign Affairs Council.
Israel continues its offensive against Hamas despite a ruling by the International Court of Justice on Friday that the military offensive in Rafah must stop immediately.
“For the first time at an EU meeting I saw a meaningful discussion on sanctions”said Mr. Martin – even if he “some distance between those who express the need for a sanctions-based approach if Israel does not comply with the ICJ decision…and the agreement (of the entire European Council), taking into account all the different perspectives that exist.
Italy: “Israel spreads hatred”
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said such strikes would have long-term repercussions.
“With this choice, Israel is spreading hatred, a deep-rooted hatred that will affect its children and its grandchildren. I would have preferred a different decision,” he told SKY TG24.
Mr Crosetto’s comments came as relations between the European Union and Israel deteriorated on Monday, on the eve of diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state by EU members Ireland and Spain , with Madrid also insisting that sanctions should be considered against Israel for its continued deadly attacks in the southern Gaza town of Rafah.
The latest attacks have focused on Rafah, where Palestinian health workers said some of the victims were displaced people living in tents that went up in flames – and that many were women and children.
Erdogan calls Netanyahu ‘genocidal’
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday condemned the deadly strikes in Rafah over the weekend.
Mr. Erdogan noted that theattack took place days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah.
The Turkish leader has stepped up his criticism of Israel following its military offensive in Gaza, accusing it of committing war crimes and genocide, which Israel vehemently denies.
Netanyahu: “for Hamas it’s strategy”
The day after the bloodbath caused by an Israeli raid in Rafah, the Israeli Prime Minister recognized a “tragic mistake”.
In a speech to the Israeli Parliament on Monday, Benjamin Netanyahu said an investigation had been launched into the deadly IDF strike the night before – but added: “I do not intend to end the war until all objectives have been achieved.”
According to Netanyahu, it was essential that Israel take “all possible precautions” to protect civilians and insisted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were “do everything possible not to hurt people not involved” in the conflict.
“For us, it’s a tragedy, for Hamas, it’s strategy”underlined Benjamin Netanuayou, according to comments reported by Times of Israel.
Macron: the offensive “must stop”
Israel’s Rafah offensive has drawn strong international condemnation, with some of Israel’s closest allies, particularly the United States, expressing outrage at the civilian deaths.
On the X network, the French president once again called for an end to the fighting. “These operations must stop. There is no safe area in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.”posted President Emmanuel Macron.