Finland expresses sorrow about Israeli strikes in Rafah, urges respect for international humanitarian law

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen expressed sorrow Tuesday about a recent Israeli airstrikes in Rafah that killed dozens of civilians.

"Devastated by news from Rafah on Israeli strikes killing dozens of civilians, including small children," she wrote on X. "Finland has consistently urged Israel to refrain from attacking Rafah, especially considering the high numbers of displaced people there. The orders of the ICJ and international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties."

"We welcome that the EU has decided to convene the Association Council with Israel to discuss the respect of human rights and the ICJ ruling on Rafah," she added.

The Israeli army began expanding its incursion into Rafah On Tuesday amid heavy shelling and bombing, forcing thousands to flee western Rafah toward Khan Younis and areas in the central Gaza Strip.

Israel's current expansion into Rafah gives the army near full control of the border area between Gaza and Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, a demilitarized buffer zone.

The army has so far seized control of almost two-thirds of the corridor area as it advances through heavy bombardment and shelling.

Israel continued its brutal offensive on Gaza despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Nearly 36,100 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, the vast majority being women and children, and over 81,000 others injured since October following an attack by Hamas.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel is accused of “genocide” at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.