The United Nations’ top Mideast envoy is warning of “catastrophic” consequences from a looming Israeli offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which would cut off the only working entry point for humanitarian aid. Tor Wennesland told a U.N. news conference that intense discussions are taking place between Israel and Egypt on what can be done along the Philadelphia Corridor, a tiny buffer zone on Gaza’s border with Egypt. The corridor is demilitarized under under the terms of the 1979 Israeli-Egyptian peace accord.
Quick Read
- UN Envoy Warns of Gaza Crisis: The UN’s top Mideast envoy highlights potential “catastrophic” outcomes from an anticipated Israeli offensive in Rafah, Gaza, threatening the main humanitarian aid entry.
- Discussions on Philadelphia Corridor: Israel and Egypt engage in critical talks regarding the Philadelphia Corridor, a crucial demilitarized zone along Gaza’s border, under the 1979 peace accord.
- Netanyahu’s Security Concerns: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu alleges Hamas is smuggling weapons through the border.
- Netanyhu is insisting the conflict cannot conclude without sealing this route.
- Egypt vehemently denies Netanyahu’s claim.
- Diplomatic Efforts Underway: The envoy emphasizes the necessity of direct dialogue between Israel and Egypt, noting the issue’s presence in U.S. Secretary of State Blinken’s discussions in Cairo and Israel.
- Challenges to Ceasefire Agreement: Establishing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza faces significant hurdles due to complex arrangements and details that must be addressed.
- International Diplomacy for Crisis Resolution: The UN special coordinator plans to consult with global leaders and U.S. officials to explore solutions and navigate obstacles towards a ceasefire agreement.
The Associated Press has the story:
UN Mideast envoy: Israel offensive into S. Gaza would be catastrophic
Newslooks- UNITED NATIONS – (AP)
The United Nations’ top Mideast envoy is warning of “catastrophic” consequences from a looming Israeli offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which would cut off the only working entry point for humanitarian aid.
Tor Wennesland told a U.N. news conference that intense discussions are taking place between Israel and Egypt on what can be done along the Philadelphia Corridor, a tiny buffer zone on Gaza’s border with Egypt. The corridor is demilitarized under under the terms of the 1979 Israeli-Egyptian peace accord.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last month that Hamas continues to smuggle weapons under the border – a claim Egypt vehemently denies – and that the war cannot end “until we close this breach,” referring to the corridor.
Wennesland said he sees no way of getting out of this dispute than having the two parties sitting and talking, adding that he is certain this issue was on the agenda of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Cairo and current talks in Israel.
The U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process said any agreement on a lasting ceasefire in Gaza “will be incredibly difficult to set up” because of the details and arrangements that need to be worked out.
Wennesland said he will be talking to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Security Council permanent members in New York and then go to Washington for meetings with U.S. officials on “how we can chart a way out of this crisis” and overcome the serious impediments to an agreement.
