“A military assault on Rafah would constitute an intolerable escalation, killing thousands of civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands more to flee,” Guterres told the media, imploring Israeli authorities not to launch an offensive.
Such an offensive “will have a devastating impact on the Palestinians in Gaza and serious repercussions on the occupied West Bank and the entire region,” he added.
“All members of the Security Council and many other states have clearly expressed their opposition to such an operation. I ask all those who have influence over Israel to do everything in their power to prevent it,” the UN leader emphasized.
His warning comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the Israeli army would enter Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip “with or without agreement” to eliminate the four Hamas battalions he says remain in the area.
The statements come as Hamas is studying the latest truce proposal from mediators in Cairo, which calls for a 40-day ceasefire and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages in Gaza, according to Israeli media .
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Tags: chief Prime Minister Netanyahus announcement Israeli offensive Rafah represent escalation
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