The German government has disputed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that there were minimal civilian casualties during the military assault on Rafah in southern Gaza. Germany is urging for better protection for civilians in the region, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasizing the need for increased safeguards for Gaza residents.
Netanyahu claimed that a commander in Rafah informed him of few civilian deaths, except for an incident where unintended casualties occurred at a Hamas weapons depot. However, reports and videos show evidence of civilian casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes in Rafah, including an attack at a camp for displaced Palestinians that killed 45 people, predominantly women and children.
Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire, Israel’s continued offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, has drawn international condemnation. The ongoing conflict has left over 39,000 dead and 90,000 injured, with Gaza facing immense destruction and a severe shortage of essentials like food, water, and medicine.
Israel’s actions have led to accusations of genocide, culminating in a ruling by the International Court of Justice demanding an immediate end to the military operations in Rafah, where millions of Palestinians sought shelter before the invasion began on May 6.
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