Rights groups urge int'l community to prevent atrocity in Rafah

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - A group of international aid organizations on Wednesday warned that "time is running out" for international action to protect civilians in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip city, packed with 1.5 million displaced Palestinians.

In a joint statement, the NGOs recalled the recent UN Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate cease-fire and additional provisional order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and said states "must act urgently" to ensure its enforcement and prevent atrocity crimes in Rafah.

"Time is running out for international action to protect civilians and prevent atrocity crimes in Rafah, as UN Security Council resolution is ignored," noted in the joint statement, signed by 13 humanitarian groups, including Save the Children, Amnesty International, and Oxfam International.

It stressed that the Israeli government last week made clear its intention to expand military operations in Rafah, contrary to the UN Security Council’s legally binding resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Some 1.5 million Palestinians previously displaced by Israel's offensive on Gaza are holed up in Rafah, seeking refuge from hostilities.

The intended plans for an offensive on the city have sounded international alarm bells, with many countries urging restraint or cancelation of the operation.

"To abide by the absolute prohibition of forcible transfer and deportation of civilians under international humanitarian law, Israel is obliged to take 'all possible measures' to provide evacuated civilians with essential necessities for survival and guarantees of a safe and dignified return once hostilities end," added the statement.

Stressing that Israeli forces have repeatedly attacked areas they previously prescribed as "safe," the groups noted that there is nowhere safe for people to go in Gaza.

- 'States have obligation to protect population'

"Further escalation of Israeli military operations in Rafah would also pose catastrophic consequences for an already hamstrung humanitarian response across Gaza, with most aid coordination and infrastructure set up since October 2023 based in Rafah."

Saying that children and families in Rafah have been living in a "constant state of fear and danger," the statement underlined that all states have the obligation to protect populations from atrocity crimes.

"States must now take urgent action to ensure the immediate implementation of a permanent ceasefire and explore all available options to protect civilians, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law," it added.

They noted that this includes "immediately halting" the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition where there is a risk they will be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law.

At least 32,975 Palestinians have since been killed and nearly 75,577 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities. Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which last week asked Israel to do more to prevent famine in Gaza.

The statement was signed by Save the Children, International Federation for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Doctors of the World France, Spain and Switzerland, ActionAid International, Oxfam International, Norwegian Refugee Council, Plan International, Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion, Medical Aid for Palestinians, International Rescue Committee, Danish Refugee Council, and DanChurch Aid.