German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned Israel not to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip with an offensive against the southern city of Rafah, DPA reported , BTA reported.
"We believe that an offensive against Rafah /.../ would be irresponsible," Scholz said yesterday, speaking at a webcast event of the newspaper group ARN De (RND) in Potsdam.
"We caution against this and we do not believe there is any plan that will ultimately allow this to happen without massive civilian casualties," the chancellor said.
Scholz also emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself and fight the Palestinian Islamist group "Hamas".
However, he added that humanitarian aid should also reach Gaza and there should be the prospect of peaceful coexistence, based on a two-state solution.