Eurotopics.net

Following several attacks on Rafah in the southernmost area of the Gaza Strip, Israel plans to launch a major offensive there in its war against the radical Islamic group Hamas. The 1.3 million displaced people in the area, who are already living in precarious conditions, are supposed to wait out the operation in tent cities on the border with Egypt. The operation has drawn international condemnation, with critics stressing that the promised protection of civilians cannot be guaranteed under such circumstances.

The EU has agreed on a legislative package in the fight against violence, including harsher penalties for sexualised and domestic violence. However, the lack of agreement on a standardised definition of rape is causing problems. A consensus-based regulation on sexual offences based on the principle "only yes means yes" is a major sticking point, also in the commentaries.

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution raising the alarm about the "worrying" state of the rule of law in Greece. Among other things it criticises the wiretapping of political opponents, restrictions on press freedom, corruption and systematic pushbacks of migrants. The non-binding text calls on the EU Commission to initiate investigations.

Donald Trump said on Saturday that he was against Nato members benefiting from full protection if they fail to meet the alliance's spending targets and would not support such states if they were attacked by Russia. He added that in such cases he would encourage Moscow to do "whatever the hell they want". Europe's press voices concern in light of Trump's chances of re-occupying the White House.