Saudi Arabia warns of “VERY SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS” if Israel storms Rafah

02/13/2024 / By Richard Brown

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning to Israel and its allies, cautioning them of “very serious repercussions” should West Jerusalem proceed with its planned ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah, Gaza’s last refuge for civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict.

The ministry’s statement strongly condemned the anticipated “storming and targeting” of Rafah, where approximately 1.4 million Palestinians sought safety after being displaced by Israeli bombings.

Rafah is described as “the last resort for hundreds of thousands of civilians forced to flee due to the brutal Israeli aggression,” according to Riyadh. The Kingdom reiterated its unequivocal rejection and condemnation of the forced deportation, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire.

The statement followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order for military plans to evacuate civilians crowded in Rafah as preparations are made to target the last Hamas stronghold in the Palestinian enclave. (Related: Saudi Arabia warns of “catastrophic consequences” if Israel launches INVASION of Gaza.)

Netanyahu, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, insists on achieving “total victory” over Hamas to ensure Israel’s security.

Israel initiated airstrikes in Rafah on Saturday, Feb. 10, resulting in at least 44 casualties, as reported by Hamas. The conflict in Gaza has claimed over 28,000 lives, displaced 85 percent of the population, and left 570,000 Gazans facing starvation, according to the United Nations.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry asserted that both Israel and its supporters will be held accountable for the developments in Rafah.

The ministry called for the urgent convening of the UN Security Council to prevent Israel from causing a humanitarian disaster, holding those supporting the aggression responsible.

Saudi Arabia stated it would not establish formal ties with Israel until the Gaza aggression ceases, and an independent Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, is recognized.

More casualties reported after another round of Israeli airstrikes in Rafah

Meanwhile, scores of people, including innocent children, fell victim to the relentless Israeli airstrikes and shelling that pounded multiple locations in Rafah overnight Monday, Feb. 12, as detailed by the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza reported 94 casualties, but the numbers are expected to climb as rescue operations continue.

Israeli warplanes targeted different areas of Rafah, including homes and mosques, resulting in a chaotic scene documented in footage from Al Kuwaiti hospital.

The dire situation overwhelmed medical facilities, with the director of Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital stating that the Israeli occupation’s bombardment had strained their capacity to handle a large number of injuries.

The Israeli military acknowledged conducting a series of strikes in the Shaboura area, rescuing two hostages, Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak.

The hostages are reported to be in good medical condition after being transferred for examination at Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital.

The international community expressed growing alarm over the deteriorating situation in Rafah. Qatar urged the UN Security Council to prevent what it described as “genocide,” emphasizing the risk of a “humanitarian catastrophe in the city.”

But Netanyahu remains resolute in his decision to proceed with the Rafah operation, aiming for completion by the start of Ramadan.

This has led to a significant displacement of Palestinians, who have sought refuge in Rafah, making it the last major population center not occupied by the Israeli military. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has inflicted severe humanitarian crises, including starvation, medical emergencies and a staggering death toll of over 28,000 Palestinians.

Watch the aftermath of Israel’s bombing of a “safe zone” tent camp in Rafah during the Super Bowl.

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