UN warns major attack on Rafah would violate 'international humanitarian law'

Large-Scale Offensive in Rafah: A Flagrant Violation of International Humanitarian Law, According to the UN

\n\nAccording to the United Nations (UN), a large-scale offensive in Rafah, a Palestinian locality located on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, would represent a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. In order to preserve peace, security and stability in this region already marked by years of conflict, the UN calls for absolute respect for the principles of international law.Rafah: A Hope for Peace Weakened by a Potential Offensive\n\n

The possibility of a large-scale

\n\noffensive in Rafah risks destabilizing the locality of Rafah, already fragile and affected by years of conflict and insecurity. Thousands of human lives could be put in danger, civilian infrastructure could be destroyed and the livelihoods of the local population would be compromised. The UN Calls for Respect for International Humanitarian Law In the face of this possible threat, the UN reiterates the importance of respecting\n\n

international humanitarian law. This includes a set of rules that, in times of armed conflict, protects persons who are not or no longer participating in hostilities. It also prohibits the use of methods or means of warfare that do not distinguish between these protected persons and combatants.

\n\nA Large-Scale Offensive in Rafah in Contravention of International Law If it were to occur, alarge-scale offensive\n\n

in Rafah could constitute a violent transgression of the norms and principles set out in international humanitarian law. Indeed, such an offensive could result in mass deaths and injuries among the civilian population, as well as extensive destruction of civilian objects.

\n\nThe Need to Avoid a Large-Scale Conflict In a bid to protect civilians and prevent humanitarian disaster, the UN warns of major offensive\n\n

in Rafah. Calling on all parties concerned to respect their obligations under the

\n\ninternational humanitarian law , the UN seeks to avoid the outbreak of a large-scale conflict which would have devastating consequences on the local population. \n\n