David Cameron ‘Deeply Concerned’ About Next Stage Of Israeli Offensive In Gaza

Overseas secretary Lord David Cameron has expressed concern over the subsequent part of the Israeli army operation in Gaza, as troops might transfer to the southern a part of the Palestinian territory.

Israeli troopers are anticipated to advance into the southern metropolis of Rafah, which borders Egypt.

One of many final remaining areas in Gaza not but infiltrated by Israeli troops within the 4 months because the struggle started, roughly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants is regarded as sheltering in Rafah.

In a submit on X (previously Twitter) on Saturday night, Cameron wrote: “Deeply involved in regards to the prospect of a army offensive in Rafah – over half of Gaza’s inhabitants are sheltering within the space.

“The precedence should be a direct pause within the combating to get help in and hostages out, then progress in direction of a sustainable, everlasting ceasefire.”

Earlier this month, Cameron additionally stated the UK may recognise a Palestinian state whereas Israeli negotiations with Palestinian leaders are ongoing.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ proposals for a ceasefire final week, and stated in a current interview that “victory is inside attain”.

He added: “Those that say that in no way ought to we enter Rafah are mainly saying, ‘Lose the struggle. Preserve Hamas there.’”

Israel claims Rafah is the final remaining stronghold for the Palestinian militants Hamas.

Netanyahu has referred to as for the evacuation of individuals in Rafah however it’s not clear the place any civilians may transfer to, as Israeli evacuation orders cowl two-thirds of Gaza.

There are fears in regards to the basic circumstances in Gaza are rising, too.

The UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres referred to as for a humanitarian ceasefire earlier than a “gigantic tragedy” develops in Rafah final week.

Joe Biden, president of Israel’s biggest ally the US, additionally launched his strongest rebuke of the nation but on Thursday, saying the nation’s current actions had been “excessive”.

Israel declared struggle on Hamas after the group killed an estimated 1,200 individuals on Israeli soil on October 7.

Israel’s subsequent siege and floor invasion of Gaza has killed greater than 28,000 individuals, in response to the native Hamas-run well being ministry.

On Friday, Labour’s shadow overseas secretary David Lammy expressed his personal considerations in regards to the subsequent stage of the struggle.

He wrote on X: “1.4 million displaced Palestinians are in Rafah, with nowhere to go. It’s the gateway for help to Gaza.

“An Israeli offensive there can be catastrophic. Far too many civilians have already been killed or wounded.

“The combating should cease now. We want a sustainable ceasefire.”