Prospect of full-scale Israeli invasion of Gaza ‘scary’: UN

The Gaza war broke out after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7

Geneva, Switzerland:

The United Nations said on Monday the prospect of a full-scale Israeli invasion of Gaza’s crowded town of Rafah was “terrifying” and could cause “extremely high” human tolls.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has urged world powers to “restrain rather than indulge” as more than a million Palestinians trapped in the territory’s southernmost tip grow increasingly concerned about an impending ground invasion.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to send ground troops into the crowded Rafah area as part of an effort to eliminate Hamas.

His remarks aroused the alarm of the international community.

“With around 1.5 million Palestinians huddled on the Egyptian border in the Rafah area, with nowhere to escape, a potential full-scale military invasion is frightening because of the possibility of large numbers of civilians, mostly children and women, potentially killing people casualties,” Turk said in a statement.

“Sadly, given the carnage that has occurred in Gaza so far, it is entirely conceivable what will happen to Rafah in the future.

“In addition to the pain and suffering caused by bombs and bullets, this invasion of Rafah could also mean the end of the meager humanitarian aid that comes in and is distributed, which has had a huge impact across Gaza, including those facing severe hunger Hundreds of thousands of people in the north are also at risk from famine.”

The Gaza war broke out after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, killing about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

About 130 of the 250 prisoners captured by Hamas more than four months ago are still believed to be in Gaza, but Israel believes 29 of them are dead.

Israel has launched a relentless offensive against Gaza, which Hamas’ health ministry says has killed at least 28,340 people, mostly women and children.

“My office has repeatedly warned against actions that violate the laws of war. As things stand, the prospect of such actions against Rafah could lead to further atrocity crimes,” Turk said.

He said those who violated international law were brought to the spotlight and must be held accountable.

“The world must not allow this to happen,” Turk said.

“Those with influence must restrain rather than condone. There must be an immediate ceasefire. All remaining hostages must be released. Collective determination to reach a political solution must be renewed.”

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