UN's top official on genocide concerned about Israeli plans for Rafah incursion

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide expressed concerns about a possible Israeli assault on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip -- home to more than 1 million residents seeking refuge from Israel’s war on the enclave.

"It is imperative that the protection of civilians is prioritized and that international humanitarian law is respected at all times. Enough of violence and enough of suffering of those who are most vulnerable, in Rafah and in the entire Gaza Strip.

"The risk of commission of atrocity crimes should a full military incursion into Rafah take place, is serious, real and high," Alice Wairimu Nderitu said in a statement.

Nderitu echoed senior UN officials about reported plans for Israel's "full military incursion" in Rafah, which would “almost certainly have disastrous consequences" for the civilians.

She emphasized that is imperative to unconditionally release all hostages, ensure humanitarian aid can reach those who need it most and accelerate all venues for dialogue so that further violence can be prevented and a sustainable cease-fire put in place.

"Since 7 October, civilians in the region have experienced and continue to experience an insurmountable level of suffering. This must end and must end now," she added.

The Israeli army plans to launch a ground offensive in Rafah to defeat what Tel Aviv calls the remaining "Hamas battalions." The plans have triggered concerns of a humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, killing at least 28,567 people and injuring 68,291 others, while nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.

The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel is 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.