UK Slammed for Silence on Israel's Planned Offensive in Rafah
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The United Kingdom's muted response to Israel's directive for evacuations in eastern Rafah has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations that have underscored concerns over complicity in potential mass killings as Israel is preparing for another genocide in Gaza.
Natalie Roberts, the executive director of Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, has called on the UK government to explain why it has not condemned Israel’s planned offensive on Rafah.
Roberts questioned the government's stance, stating, "What is the UK government doing to avoid being complicit in the mass killings of Palestinians dying in their thousands from violence and disease?" This inquiry was made in a post on X.
The post was linked to an MSF statement, marking the charity's third open letter to the UK regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. The letter condemned Israeli airstrikes that have destroyed hospitals across the Gaza Strip, accusing the UK of moral and political complicity by continuing arms exports.
In a related development, the Islamic Relief, a UK-based international charity, has expressed its dismay at Israel's evacuation orders in eastern Rafah.
The organization highlighted the humanitarian consequences of such actions, emphasizing the inevitability of casualties.
Despite the designation of the area as a "safe humanitarian zone," the charity asserted that it remains unsafe, with civilians facing attacks and severe shortages of essential supplies.
Residents of eastern Rafah are grappling with the prospect of forced displacement as the Israeli military issued evacuation orders ahead of a potential offensive in Gaza's south.
In interviews with Reuters, residents shared their apprehensions and uncertainties about the situation.
Some are contemplating relocating their families to safer areas, fearing the imminent danger posed by the Israeli military actions.
Meanwhile, reports from Gaza indicate that at least 16 people were killed in Israeli air raids on Rafah, with casualties reported in multiple locations within the city.
