NEW YORK, June 1, 2024 (WAFA) - The Arab Group in New York expressed today its deep concern regarding the ongoing Israeli military onslaught on the Governorate of Rafah, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths and forcibly displaced approximately one million Palestinians.

"This military action has continued despite worldwide outrage, condemnation and demands for an immediate halt to the military offensive in Rafah and an immediate ceasefire," said the group in a press statement.

It added, "This military offensive has significantly worsened the already-catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. The seizure by the occupation forces of the Rafah border crossing, a critical lifeline for Palestinian civilians, has exacerbated the dire situation, further worsening the widespread famine throughout the Gaza Strip."

The Arab Group called upon the United Nations Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and take decisive measures to ensure Israel immediately halts its military offensive in Rafah and to demand an immediate ceasefire. 

In this context, the Arab Group reaffirmed its full support for the draft resolution submitted by Algeria on behalf of the Arab Group, which aims to advance these goals. 

"We urge Security Council members to engage constructively in the negotiation process so that the Council may act with urgency to meet its responsibility," the statement stressed.

"It is imperative that the Security Council acts now to halt this disastrous military operation, impose an immediate and permanent ceasefire throughout the Gaza Strip, and immediately increase the flow of 
lifesaving humanitarian assistance, including through the United Nations, foremost by UNRWA."

M.N