Wants US And President Biden To Take Action, EU Diplomat: Netanyahu Doesn't Listen To Anyone

Israeli military land operations in Gaza. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - The European Union's top diplomat wants the United States and President Joe Biden to take firm action against Israel, to reduce the number of civilian warg deaths in the Gaza Strip, as Israel widens its attack on the Rafah.

Head of Foreign Policy Josep Borrell hopes Uncle Sam's country takes firm action, using its influence as Israel's main arms provider, to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported The National News on February 13.

Israel carried out an attack on Rafah City on Monday, in which a special joint military, police and intelligence operation the country managed to free two hostages detained by the Hamas militant group, but on the other hand the airstrikes used as curtains for the removal of the operation killed civilians.

The Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health in Gaza told CNN that at least 94 people died as a result of an Israeli attack on Rafah City.

The ministry also said it was still in the process of taking and identifying bodies, and the death toll is expected to rise.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent said more than 100 people had died as a result of last night's attack on Rafah. PRCS added that there are still many people trapped under the rubble and the death toll may increase.

A day before the attack, President Biden spoke with PM Netanyahu, reiterating his stance that the Israeli military should not continue ground attacks on the Rafah "without credible and executable plans" to ensure the safety of civilians.

Gazans have no place to go because the border with Egypt is still closed.

"Netanyahu doesn't listen to anyone," Borrell said.

"Where are they going to flee? To the moon? Where are they going to evacuate these people?" he criticized.

Gaza's Ministry of Health said on Monday the death toll of Palestinian civilians in the region had reached 28,340 people and injuries as many as 67,984 people. President Biden said Israel's military response to Gaza was excessive.

"President Biden said this was excessive, disproportionate," Borrell told reporters at a news conference in Brussels, Belgium.

"Well, if you're sure too many people were killed, maybe you should reduce the number of weapons to prevent so many people being killed. That's not logical?" he asked.

"This is a bit contradictory by continuing to say too many people were killed, please take care of the people, please don't kill so many people. Please say please, and do something," Borrell said.

Quoting Reuters, Washington is the most important foreign arms provider for Israel. Every year they provide Israel with military aid worth US$3.8 billion, from fighter jets to large-power bombs.

When asked at a news conference about Borrell's comments and whether the US was considering cutting military aid to Israel, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller defended US policy, saying the policy gave the government "maximum capability" to successfully influence Israel.

"We have not made an assessment that it is a step that will have more impact than the steps we have taken," Miller said.