UN will 'not support' forced displacement in Rafah

The United Nations said on Friday that while the protection of civilians in Rafah is essential, forced mass displacement must be avoided.

This came in response to Israel's initiation of plans for a forced displacement to facilitate a strategic victory over Hamas in the region.

"We're extremely worried about the fate of civilians in Rafah," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Friday.

"What is clear is that people need to be protected, but we also do not want to see any forced displacement - forced mass displacement - of people, which is by definition against their will," Dujarric said.

"We would not support in any way forced displacement, which goes against international law."