ISRAEL’s plans for a ground operation in the Southern Gaza town of Rafah sparked concerns from several nations including senior government officials in Australia.
Australian foreign minister Penny Wong warned that failure to provide special care for more than 1 million civilians in the area would “cause serious harm to Israel’s own interests”.
Wong urged Israel to listen to its friends and the international community.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he opposed the terrorist acts that occurred on October 7 but reminded Israel of its responsibility to care for innocent civilians.
Israeli troops are preparing to enter the city which now hosts more than half of the total population in Gaza.
At least 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering in Rafah, many of whom live in temporary tents.
The town is located between Egypt and the Gaza Strip and serves as the only crossing point between them.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured he will provide safe passage for civilians to leave the area although a detailed plan has not been presented yet.
Netanyahu said the ground assault aims to destroy the last battalion of Hamas in the area.
Wong said at least 153 nations voted in favor of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire at the United Nations General Assembly.
