EU calls on Israel to immediately halt military operation in Rafah

(Patria) - The European Union on Wednesday called on Israel to "immediately" halt its military operation in Rafah in Gaza, warning that failure to do so would undermine ties with the bloc, AFP reported.

"If Israel continues its military operation in Rafah, it would inevitably put great pressure on the EU's relations with Israel," according to a statement issued on behalf of the EU by High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell.

"The EU calls on Israel to immediately halt its military operation in Rafah," the statement said, warning that it "further hinders the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and leads to greater internal displacement, exposure to hunger and human suffering".

The bloc, a major donor of aid to the Palestinian territories and Israel's largest trading partner, said Israel had ordered more than a million people in and around Rafah to flee the area to other zones that the UN says cannot be considered safe.

"While the EU recognizes Israel's right to defend itself, Israel must do so in accordance with international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of civilians," it stated.