Egyptian president says protecting Palestinian civilians in Rafah is Israel's responsibility

​​​​​​​By Abdul Salam Fayez

CAIRO (AA) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said Wednesday that protecting civilians in Rafah was Israel's responsibility, reiterating his warning against an Israeli military operation to invade the Palestinian city.

At a news conference with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who arrived Tuesday in Cairo, el-Sisi emphasized the "necessity of a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and ending Israel's hostilities," as he urged Rutte to exert additional efforts.

El-Sisi noted that "Israel's actions in Gaza is a serious violation of international humanitarian law," and warned against Israel's plans for a ground operation in southern Gaza, which threatens the fate of 1.5 million displaced Palestinians.

The president said Israel is responsible for protecting civilians under the rules of international law.

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7 cross-border attack led by the Palestinian group, Hamas, in which less than 1,200 people were killed.

More than 31,272 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in Gaza, and over 73,024 injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

At least 27 people have died of malnutrition and dehydration in Gaza due to the Israeli blockade, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of most food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul