Human Rights Groups Warn of Catastrophic Consequences of Rafah Attacks
Israel is bombing and threatening an invasion of Rafah despite repeated warnings of catastrophic humanitarian disaster.
Amidst Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, the Al-Haq, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) have warned of the catastrophic consequences of Israeli attacks on Rafah.
Their concerns revolve around Israel's plans to expand its ground assault on Rafah, potentially leading to the mass forcible transfer of over 1.4 million Palestinians currently seeking shelter in the region. According to reporting from Democracy Now, “Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has warned that the IDF will launch its ground offensive in Rafah unless Hamas frees all hostages by March 10, the start of the holy month of Ramadan.” This dire situation has prompted urgent appeals and actions from various international entities, shedding light on the gravity of the crisis.
On February 9, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered forces to submit a plan for the evacuation of the population in Rafah. Recent statements from top Israeli military officials and a pattern of ground actions suggest an imminent assault reminiscent of previous destructive campaigns.
In the aftermath of Netanyahu's announcement, Israeli airstrikes in Rafah on the night of February 12, marked one of the deadliest bombing campaigns in recent weeks. Israeli attacks killed 68 Palestinians, including 19 children and 13 women, with many more still under the rubble and hundreds injured. Reports indicate the targeting of residential buildings, mosques, agricultural lands, and areas near the Egyptian-Palestinian border.
Helicopters and gunboats were involved, catching residents off guard in Rafah refugee camp and other residential neighborhoods. Additionally, Israeli forces have been seen shooting at Palestinians attempting to catch fish in the waters off the coast of southern Gaza, worsening the risk of starvation among the besieged population.
The attacks in Rafah took place despite the International Court of Justice's provisional measures ordering Israel to halt genocidal acts. From February 1 to 10, Israeli forces launched dozens of air attacks, resulting in the death of 90 Palestinians, including 34 children, 18 women, and a journalist. Dozens more suffered injuries, some losing limbs, and many are still missing.
The planned forced displacement of Palestinians from Rafah, described as a continuing Nakba, has raised international alarm. The Rafah Governorate's population, typically around 270,000, has swelled to more than 1.4 million due to military commands, sheltering at least five times its average population.
Palestinians in Rafah endure harsh conditions, living in makeshift structures and tents while facing constant Israeli bombardment. This intensified targeting comes as Israeli forces continue to displace residents from Gaza City towards Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis in the southern end of the Strip.
Al-Haq and other human rights organizations argue that Israel's intentional and unconstrained attacks on Rafah could lead to a catastrophic scale of civilian casualties. The forced displacement may result in thousands of Palestinians being pushed into Egypt, violating their rights and constituting evidence of genocidal intent.
The current crisis is framed as a continuing Nakba, with comparisons drawn to the displacement of Palestinians between 1947 and 1949. Israeli policies preventing the right of return for Palestinian refugees and the ongoing illegal military occupation are seen as part of a settler-colonial enterprise, violating Palestinians' inalienable right to self-determination.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths express grave concern about the situation, warning of a "gigantic tragedy" and "unthinkable suffering" in Rafah. The international community has been urged to take immediate action to prevent the permanent forced displacement and destruction of the Palestinian population.
Recently, Algeria announced that it would be submitting another resolution to the UN calling for an immediate ceasefire. However, the United States has responded by announcing that it would use its veto power as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to ensure the resolution does not pass. This would mark the third time since Oct. 7 that the United States has used its veto power to block a resolution calling for a ceasefire.
In response, the South African government has made an urgent request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to consider Israel's decision to extend military operations in Rafah. Under Article 75(1) of the Rules of Court, the ICJ may examine whether provisional measures are required to prevent further breaches of Palestinian rights. Professor Francis Boyle, an international law expert, praises this move, stating, "The Court should issue new provisional measures of protection for the Palestinians, especially given that Israel has continued its genocidal acts."
Nicaragua, too, has issued a warning to Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada, alleging that weapons they supply to Israel are being used in a genocide against Palestinians. Nicaragua's move could lead to World Court lawsuits against these countries for aiding and abetting Israeli genocide. Francis Boyle emphasizes the significance, noting that it could lead to an Emergency Hearing by the World Court, oral arguments, and new provisional measures for Palestinian protection.
As the international community grapples with these developments, the UN Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution based on the ICJ order for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, efforts to block the export of fighter jet parts to Israel are gaining traction, with a Dutch court moving to impede such exports.
The crisis in Rafah demands urgent international attention and action to prevent further loss of life and displacement. The calls for a ceasefire, arms embargo, and compliance with the ICJ order underscore the critical need for a peaceful resolution to this escalating humanitarian catastrophe.