"Evacuation orders for civilians trapped in Rafah to unsafe zones are unacceptable," Michel wrote in a message on the X social network (formerly Twitter) that Borrell retweeted on his own account.

Michel called on the Israeli government to "respect international humanitarian law" and not to undertake a ground operation in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.

"Crossing points must be fully functioning and allow essential humanitarian aid to reach amid severe shortages," he added.

He also said that "all efforts towards a lasting ceasefire agreement must continue".

Evacuation orders for civilians trapped in Rafah to unsafe zones are unacceptable.

We call on the Israeli government to respect international humanitarian law and urge not to undertake a ground operation in #Rafah.

Crossing points must be fully functioning and allow essential…

— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) May 11, 2024

The European Union "stands for a comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution," he recalled.

"The establishment of a viable Palestinian state is key in this regard, living side by side in peace and security with Israel as reflected in UN resolutions," he added.

The war broke out on 7 October, when Hamas commandos infiltrated into Gaza and carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP report based on official Israeli figures.

More than 250 people were kidnapped and 128 remain captive in Gaza, 36 of whom are believed to have died, according to the Israeli army.

In response, Israel vowed to "annihilate" Hamas, which has been in power in Gaza since 2007, and to free the hostages, launching an offensive that has already claimed 34,971 lives, according to the health ministry of the Islamist movement.

Read Also: Hamas announces death of hostage shown alive hours before (Portuguese version)