"Deeply concerned about Israel’s imminent incursion targeting the eastern part of Rafah, a city where over 1 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering and already in the most dire conditions.
"Let’s be clear -- such an inconsiderate operation simply means more humanitarian catastrophe, and nothing can justify it," Francis said in a statement.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli forces issued evacuation orders for Palestinians in the eastern neighborhoods of Rafah, a move widely viewed as a prelude to Israel's long-awaited attack on the city, which is home to some 1.5 million Palestinians seeking refuge from the war following an attack on Oct. 7 by the Palestinian group Hamas that killed 1,200 people.
"This is a critical moment to take decisive steps towards a permanent cease-fire, accompanied by the unconditional release of all hostages, to bring an end to this suffering," Francis added.
EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Tuesday that Israel’s offensive on Rafah will likely kill more civilians and is being carried out despite explicit warnings against it from European Union member states and the United States.
“The Rafah offensive has started again, in spite all the requests of the international community, the US, the European Union member states, everybody asking (Israeli Prime Minister)Netanyahu not to attack”, he told journalists.
“I am afraid that this is going to cause again a lot of casualties, civilian casualties. Whatever they say”, he said, adding: “There are no safe zones in Gaza.”