Safadi, Egyptian, Saudi counterparts stress need to prevent any military action in Rafah

By JT - May 08,2024 - Last updated at May 08,2024

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Tuesday warned about the danger posed by Israel's escalation of military operations in Rafah.

Safadi and his Egyptian counterpart condemned Israel's occupation of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing and its closure to humanitarian aid destined for the Palestinian people in Gaza, who are facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as a result of the Israeli war against the war-ravaged Strip.

The discussion over the phone, which falls within the ongoing joint Arab efforts to put an end to the war on Gaza, focused on the latest developments in the Strip and the urgent need for a comprehensive ceasefire to protect civilians and ensure the unhindered flow of vital humanitarian aid to all areas of the Strip.

Safadi and Shoukry reiterated their countries' opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians, whether within their homeland or beyond its borders.

Also on Tuesday Safadi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saudon in a phone call stressed the need to prevent any military action in Rafah, which is home to around 1.5 million Palestinians who have sought refuge there from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.

The ministers warned of the serious consequences of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing and its closure to prevent the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to the war-torn Strip.

The ministers also stressed the importance of the international community fulfilling its responsibilities, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

They also called for an immediate end to the ongoing Israeli violations of international and humanitarian law, as well as the international will advocating for an end to the war.

They also stressed the need to protect the lives of civilians and to ensure the delivery of adequate and sustained humanitarian assistance throughout the Strip.

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