Sweden and twelve other countries call on Israel to refrain from invading Rafah, AFP reports.
“Israel must follow international law, including international humanitarian law, when exercising its right to defend itself,” the countries’ foreign ministers write in an open letter.
In addition to Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, South Korea and Japan have signed the letter.
“A full-scale invasion of Rafah will have catastrophic consequences for the civilian population,” they write further.
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The foreign ministers welcome the Israeli government’s announcement that more humanitarian aid will be allowed in, but write that even more is needed.
“We call on Israel to allow humanitarian aid through all border crossings, including the one in Rafah”.
They also want to see a lasting ceasefire.
Israel has announced a full-scale ground invasion of Rafah, despite harsh criticism from the outside world – not least the United States, Israel’s most important ally.