Berlin, Germany – The German government has contradicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that there were minimal civilian casualties during Israel’s military assault on Rafah in southern Gaza. Deputy spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer from the German Foreign Ministry stated that there have been numerous civilian deaths in the conflict, emphasizing the need for better protection for the people in Gaza and specifically in Rafah. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has also emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilians in Gaza in discussions with Israeli officials.
Netanyahu’s claim, made during a speech to the US Congress, that there were hardly any civilian deaths in Rafah was contradicted by reports and videos showing Israeli strikes resulting in civilian casualties. One such incident in May led to at least 45 deaths at a Palestinian displacement camp in Rafah, with over 200 individuals being injured, predominantly women and children. Additionally, two separate Israeli attacks on displacement camps in Rafah resulted in the deaths of at least 29 Palestinians that same week, as reported by Palestinian and UN officials.
The overall death toll in Gaza has surpassed 39,000 since October 7th, with the Health Ministry in the enclave reporting over 90,000 injuries as a result of the ongoing assault. Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has faced international criticism for its continued aggressive actions in Gaza following an attack by Hamas in October of the same year.
Nine months into the conflict, large portions of Gaza have been decimated, compounded by a severe blockade limiting access to essential resources such as food, water, and medicine. Israel has been accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with a recent ruling demanding the immediate cessation of its military operations in Rafah, a city where over a million Palestinians sought refuge before the invasion on May 6th.
The situation remains dire in Gaza as calls for peace and protection of civilians continue to mount, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing violence and destruction in the region.