The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have commenced issuing evacuation instructions to Palestinians in parts of Rafah as preparations for a ground offensive in the southern Gazan city intensify.
The IDF directed civilians on Monday to evacuate from the eastern part of Rafah to nearby Muwasi.
Muwasi has been equipped with essential facilities such as field hospitals and tents and increased supplies of food, water, medication, and other necessities as aid continues to flow into the area.
The announcement of the evacuation comes after seven months of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas, triggered by a surprise attack by the terrorist group on October 7, 2023.
Israel’s stance has been clear, asserting that numerous Hamas fighters are stationed in Rafah and eradicating the terror group necessitates an operation within the city.
The IDF outlined that notifications for temporary travel pauses to the humanitarian area would be disseminated through posters, text messages, phone calls, and Arabic broadcasts.
In a social media post, the Israeli army reiterated its commitment to pursuing Hamas throughout Gaza until all Israelis held captive in the Palestinian enclave are safely returned, numbering more than 100 individuals.
Despite international pressures urging Israel to refrain from invading Rafah, including calls from the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute that the IDF will proceed with its offensive plans.
Rafah, positioned at Gaza’s southern border adjacent to Egypt, has historically served as a refuge for over a million Palestinian refugees, mainly as conflict zones have predominantly concentrated in northern Gaza.
The evacuation directive follows the conclusion of ceasefire discussions in Cairo, with Israeli officials expressing scepticism about Hamas’s sincerity in resolving.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued warnings of an imminent “powerful operation” in Rafah and other Gaza locations following a Hamas attack on Israel’s primary humanitarian aid crossing, resulting in the loss of three soldiers.
Concerns have been raised globally, with the White House cautioning Israel about potential repercussions if a ground offensive in Rafah lacks a comprehensive plan to safeguard civilian lives.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at the Sedona Forum in Arizona, emphasized the necessity of a well-thought-out strategy before endorsing a major military operation in Rafah, citing the potential severe repercussions it could have on civilian populations.
©M10news 2024
