Middle East crisis live: Rafah offensive would be ‘catastrophic’, leaders warn, as ceasefire talks continue

PMs of Canada, Australia and New Zealand urge Israel to scrap offensive plans; Gaza ceasefire negotiators struggle to make progress in Cairo

Israel’s vow to push ahead with a “powerful” operation in Gaza’s Rafah was met with a growing chorus of international condemnation on Thursday, with leaders warning against catastrophic consequences for the 1.5 million Palestinians trapped there, reports news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Australia, Canada and New Zealand warned Israel “not to go down this path”, issuing a rare joint statement in the latest urgent appeal seeking to avert further mass civilian casualties. “An expanded military operation would be devastating,” they said. “There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go.”