EU’s Borrell, France’s Macron express ‘outrage,’ ‘horror’ over fiery strike in Rafah

French President Emmanuel Macron says he is “outraged” by Israeli strikes that caused widespread death and destruction in a camp housing displaced Palestinians in Rafah, demanding an “immediate ceasefire.”

“These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians,” Macron says on X in English.

Outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah.

These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians.

I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 27, 2024

“I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.”

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also condemns the strikes, which killed 45 people according to an unverified toll provided by Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza.

“Horrified by news coming out of Rafah on Israeli strikes killing dozens of displaced persons, including small children. I condemn this in the strongest terms,” Borrell writes on X.

Horrified by news coming out of #Rafah on Israeli strikes killing dozens of displaced persons, including small children. I condemn this in the strongest terms.

There is no safe place in Gaza. These attacks must stop immediately. ICJ orders & IHL must be respected by all parties.

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 27, 2024

He also reiterates his demand that Israel halt military action in line with an International Court of Justice order which, however is subject to interpretation.

“There is no safe place in Gaza. These attacks must stop immediately. ICJ orders & [international humanitarian law] must be respected by all parties,” he writes.

Israel says the strike targeted two senior Hamas terrorists. But the attack also apparently hit an area in Rafah’s Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah where thousands of people were taking shelter, setting blazes that engulfed several tents and shelters.

The military’s prosecutor general has launched a probe into the attack.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees describes the situation on the ground as “horrifying.”

“Gaza is hell on earth. Images from last night are yet another testament to that,” UNRWA writes on X.

Information coming out of #Rafah about further attacks on families seeking shelter is horrifying.

There are reports of mass causalities including children and women among those killed.

Gaza is hell on earth. Images from last night are yet another testament to that.

— UNRWA (@UNRWA) May 27, 2024