Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of a mass exodus of Gazans into Egypt amid looming threats of a military assault on Rafah.
He stressed that such an event would not only exacerbate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also make resolving the issue of Palestinian refugees practically impossible.
With approximately 5.6 million Palestinian refugees residing across various countries, mainly descendants of those displaced during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s establishment, the fate of these refugees remains a contentious issue in the stalled peace process.
While Palestinians and Arab nations advocate for their right to return, Israel has consistently rejected this demand.
Grandi expressed deep concern over Israeli plans to attack Rafah, where over a million Gazans have sought refuge from ongoing military operations.
Even Israel’s staunch ally, the United States, has cautioned against such actions, warning of potential global isolation for Israel.
The UNHCR chief emphasized that an assault on Rafah could leave Gazans with no choice but to flee into Egypt for safety, creating an untenable situation. He placed the responsibility for preventing such a crisis squarely on Israel, as the occupying power in Gaza.
To prepare for the possibility of an influx of refugees, UNHCR has been stockpiling tents and supplies and collaborating with regional stakeholders to develop contingency plans.
Grandi underscored the urgent need to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and preserve prospects for lasting peace in the region.
