EU chief: Israel's Rafah evacuation orders are 'unacceptable'

Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief, has hit out at the evacuation order issued by Israel's military to civilians in eastern Rafah and at the prospect of a ground offensive on the Gaza city.

"Israel's evacuation orders to civilians in Rafah portend the worst: more war and famine. It is unacceptable," Borrell posted on social media.

Israel's evacuation orders to civilians in Rafah portend the worst: more war and famine. It is unacceptable.

Israel must renounce to a ground offensive and implement UNSCR 2728.

The EU, with the International Community, can and must act to prevent such scenario.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 6, 2024

"Israel must renounce to a ground offensive and implement UNSCR 2728," the Spanish politician wrote. Adopted on 25 March, the UN Security Council resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire.

"The EU, with the International Community, can and must act to prevent such scenario," Borrell said, referring to an Israeli ground offensive on Rafah.