AMMAN: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned that an Israeli assault on Gaza’s Rafah city would hamper regional peace efforts, the Guardian reported.
Scholz made this statement ahead of his planned talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the importance of reaching a long-lasting ceasefire agreement to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Speaking after discussions with Jordanian King Abdullah in Aqaba, Scholz stressed the urgency of achieving a ceasefire that would deter any potential ground offensive. He expressed his readiness to exert pressure on Netanyahu to halt such an assault, underscoring the need to prevent Palestinian civilian casualties who are seeking refuge in Rafah.
German Chancellor Emphasizes Civilians’ Safety in Gaza
Scholz emphasized the need to ensure the safety of civilians in Gaza, particularly those sheltering in Rafah. He urged for measures to avoid exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The warning comes amidst heightened tensions as Israel approved plans for an attack on Rafah, where over 1.5 million Palestinian civilians are seeking shelter from relentless Israeli bombardment. Both US President Joe Biden and UN officials have cautioned against a military ground offensive in Rafah, citing the potential for a catastrophic outcome.
In addition to advocating for a ceasefire, Scholz also highlighted the importance of increasing aid delivery via land routes. He indicated his intention to address this issue during his discussions with Netanyahu in Jerusalem later in the day.
