Cairo, Egypt – European leaders joined Egypt in opposing Israeli plans for a military operation against Hamas in Rafah on Sunday. The security cabinet convened to establish a redline for a possible hostage deal before Mossad Chief David Barnea’s anticipated departure for negotiations in Doha.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed concerns about the potential risks of a full-scale offensive in Rafah on Sunday. She emphasized the importance of avoiding any actions that could harm the vulnerable civilian population already suffering from a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and von der Leyen signed a strategic partnership agreement, highlighting the urgent need to address the famine and humanitarian challenges facing Gaza. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the unacceptable loss of civilian lives in Gaza.
Additionally, the European leaders commended Egyptian efforts to broker a deal for the release of 134 hostages, collaborating with Doha in the process. However, diplomatic pressures on Israel regarding its actions in the Gaza war have complicated the negotiations.
The Israeli government has used the threat of a military operation in Rafah as leverage to push Hamas to agree to a deal, including a proposed six-week pause in the conflict. Despite facing mounting international pressure for a permanent ceasefire, Israel remains adamant about its military objectives in the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored the necessity of the Rafah operation to eliminate Hamas battalions and secure the release of hostages. He reiterated the importance of protecting civilians in the conflict zone and emphasized the need to continue pursuing Israel’s strategic goals in the war.
Netanyahu criticized the international community for overlooking the initial Hamas-led attack that sparked the conflict, stressing Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist threats. He urged the global community to focus their pressure on Hamas and Iran, highlighting the ongoing danger they pose to regional stability.
In conclusion, the ongoing tensions and complexities in the Gaza conflict highlight the intricate diplomatic challenges faced by the involved parties. As international pressure mounts, the stakes for achieving a lasting solution to the conflict in Gaza continue to escalate.