Saudi Arabia has called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council over concerns about a potential Israeli military operation targeting Rafah, a city in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The warning came from the kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which cited credible information about escalating military activity near Rafah and the humanitarian risks it would pose to residents.
The ministry underscored the high-stakes danger of strikes on Rafah, a city that has become the last refuge for hundreds of thousands who fled the long-standing conflict in the Palestinian territories. It stressed that an attack on Rafah could trigger a rapid and severe humanitarian crisis, compounding the suffering of civilians who have had to endure continued cross-border violence and displacement.
In its statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry urged the Security Council to convene without delay to prevent a looming humanitarian catastrophe. The officials argued that a swift, united response from the council is essential to deter further violence and to safeguard innocent lives in Rafah and the surrounding areas.
Reports in regional media indicate that a senior Israeli official previously signaled an intent to intensify operations in Rafah during the period surrounding the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began this year on March 11 and is observed until April 9. The timing is noted as particularly sensitive, given the potential for heightened civilian impact during this holy period.
On the international stage, the United States has reiterated its commitment to civilian safety in Rafah while continuing to coordinate regional security considerations with allied governments. Statements attributed to American officials emphasize caution and a focus on minimizing harm to civilians amid ongoing strategic assessments and anticipated operational planning in the region.
Earlier discussions between Israeli leaders and partners in the region touched on conditions for a possible temporary pause in hostilities, though such talks were framed by officials as contingent and subject to a range of security considerations. The broader context remains one of complex security dynamics, with humanitarian concerns repeatedly highlighted as a central element in any future steps.