Dutch foreign minister says Rafah push ‘unjustifiable’

Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot says a large Israeli military offensive in Rafah would be “unjustifiable.”

In a pair of tweets, Bruins Slot says the situation in the city, where as much as half of Gaza’s population has fled, is “very worrying.”

“Hard to see how large-scale military operations in such a densely populated area would not lead to many civilian casualties and a bigger humanitarian catastrophe. This is unjustifiable,” she writes.

She adds that a truce, followed by a long-term ceasefire is needed, and calls for hostages to be released.

It is of the utmost importance that negotiations quickly lead to a temporary humanitarian ceasefire, and eventually to a sustained cessation of hostilities. This is also essential to all the hostages, who must be unconditionally released as soon as possible.

— Hanke Bruins Slot (@HankeBruinsSlot) February 10, 2024