World leaders are increasing pressure on Israel to abandon plans for a ground offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza. Amid intensified air strikes and artillery fire, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand jointly called for an "immediate" humanitarian ceasefire. The leaders, including Anthony Albanese, Justin Trudeau, and Christopher Luxon, warned that Israel's planned operation would have a "devastating" impact on the Palestinians in the area, emphasizing that there is "simply nowhere else for civilians to go."

Spain and Ireland have also urged the European Commission to urgently review whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations in Gaza. In a joint letter, Spain's Pedro Sanchez and Ireland's Leo Varadkar expressed concern about the "grave and imminent threat" posed by an attack on Rafah. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron previously called on Israel to "stop and think seriously" before launching a ground invasion, stating that there's "nowhere for them to go."

Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed concerns about a potential humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. US President Joe Biden, facing criticism for supporting Israel, reportedly expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu behind closed doors. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell suggested that Washington should consider reducing arms supplies to Israel if there are concerns about excessive casualties.

Despite international pressure, Israel insists on pushing into Rafah to eliminate Hamas battalions. Netanyahu stated, "We will fight until complete victory, and this includes a powerful action also in Rafah after we allow the civilian population to leave the battle zones." UN's special adviser on genocide prevention, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, warned of a "serious, real, and high" risk of atrocities if the assault proceeds. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, Israel's attacks have killed at least 28,576 Palestinians and wounded 68,291 since October 7, while the death toll in Israel from Hamas-led attacks stands at 1,139.

BOB Post