UN Aid Chief Warns of Potential Influx of Gazans into Egypt, Reports Reuters

GENEVA (Reuters) – The United Nations aid chief expressed concerns on Thursday regarding the potential for a spillover of Palestinians in Rafah into Egypt if Israel proceeds with a military operation against the border town.

Over one million Palestinians are currently concentrated in Rafah, located at the southern tip of the Gaza Strip near the Egyptian border. Many are residing in tent camps and temporary shelters after fleeing from Israeli airstrikes in other parts of Gaza.

The Israeli military aims to eliminate Islamist militants hiding in Rafah and to rescue hostages taken during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. However, specific plans for the evacuation of civilians have not been disclosed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing increasing international pressure to postpone the planned military action, but he has not indicated when the operation may begin.

Martin Griffiths, the UN’s aid chief, told diplomats in Geneva that the prospect of a military operation in Rafah, coupled with the potential closure of the border crossing, presents a significant risk of escalating the situation in Egypt. He described it as a "sort of Egyptian nightmare" that is becoming increasingly likely.

Griffiths stated that the idea of Gaza residents being able to evacuate to safety is a mere "illusion." He urged those who care about Israel’s security to provide sound advice during this critical moment.

The United Nations has warned that an Israeli offensive in Rafah could result in a significant loss of life.

At the same briefing, Mirjana Spoljaric, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), emphasized that the lack of a clear evacuation plan, particularly for vulnerable individuals like the sick and elderly, would exacerbate suffering on both sides. She noted that the violence witnessed since October 7 could reach unprecedented levels if operations in Rafah are intensified as currently announced.