Israeli forces have issued an evacuation order for parts of Rafah in Gaza as they appear ready to launch a long-threatened attack on the city. The Israeli army has directed residents to move to an “expanded humanitarian zone” as tensions escalate in the region.
The move comes after Israeli officials blamed Hamas for the collapse of truce talks, with the military stating that it will continue to pursue Hamas throughout Gaza until all hostages they have taken are returned home. The evacuation order, which is being conveyed through various means including leaflets, text messages, and media broadcasts, is affecting about 100,000 people in the area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that an attack on Rafah is necessary to eliminate Hamas, despite warnings from Israel’s allies about a potential humanitarian disaster. Local NGOs have warned that many people in Rafah have no shelter, and the city’s population has grown to about 1.4 million due to displaced individuals seeking refuge from other parts of Gaza.
The United Nations refugee agency for Palestine has warned that the Israeli offensive will result in more suffering and death for the Palestinian people, with health authorities reporting over 34,000 deaths since October. The evacuation order was issued following heavy Israeli bombardment that killed 22 people in the city, including eight children.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoyav Galant stated that military action in Rafah was necessary after Hamas rejected a mediation proposal for a truce in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas officials have maintained that any deal must include a permanent end to the war in the enclave.
As tensions rise in the region, there are concerns about the potential consequences of an Israeli invasion of Rafah. International condemnation has already begun, with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Petra Desart announcing new sanctions on Israel if a massacre occurs in the city.
The situation in Rafah remains precarious as Israeli forces prepare for a ground assault, and the fate of the city’s residents hangs in the balance amidst ongoing conflict in the region.