The Brussels International Center (BIC) expresses deep concern over the ongoing military operations by Israel in Rafah and their catastrophic implications for the civilian population. With approximately 1.7 million people seeking refuge in the area, the humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating. BIC urgently calls for the reopening of the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings to allow critical humanitarian aid to reach those affected.
The looming threat of a major Israeli assault on Rafah has raised significant international concerns, with Western nations and the United Nations explicitly warning that such a full-scale attack would result in a humanitarian catastrophe.
The decision by the U.S. to halt the shipment of powerful bombs to Israel, although a move towards preventing further escalation in Rafah, raises concerns about its timeliness. The delay in taking such a crucial step is a missed opportunity to proactively prevent the intensification of the conflict. This action, while potentially mitigating further violence, comes at a point where significant tensions and risks have already escalated, highlighting a reactive rather than preventive approach in international policy-making regarding the war in Gaza.
Ambassador Marc Otte, President of BIC, commented on the situation: "The lack of adequate international response to the escalating crisis in Rafah is alarming. We are witnessing potential massive humanitarian devastation that demands immediate attention and action. The international community's failure to exert sufficient diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel to prevent its assault on Rafa speaks to a broader inability to proactively manage and resolve conflicts effectively."
In light of the escalating situation, BIC calls for the immediate cessation of the assault in Gaza, the reopening of humanitarian corridors, and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire to lead stakeholders towards meaningful dialogue.
We call on the EU Council and the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the serious implications of Israel's actions. Additionally, we urge the consideration of imposing EU sanctions against Israel to prompt a reconsideration of their military strategies and ensure the protection of civilian lives in the affected regions. Immediate action is crucial to prevent further humanitarian crises and foster a stable, peaceful resolution.