Israel Calls for Rafah Evacuation, Signals Possible Ground Operation in Gaza
Israel’s military announced on Monday a new phase in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, urging residents of Rafah to evacuate in preparation for what it described as a “limited scope” operation. This move is seen as a potential precursor to a ground assault, aiming to dismantle Hamas strongholds in the densely populated city.
Seven months into its offensive, the Israeli military contends that Rafah, harboring thousands of Hamas combatants, is crucial for achieving victory, yet the city’s dense population poses significant challenges. More than a million displaced Palestinians currently find refuge in Rafah, raising concerns among Western powers and neighboring Egypt about the potential for high casualties.
The Israeli military is employing various methods, including posters, text messages, and media announcements, to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from specific areas in eastern Rafah to designated “humanitarian areas.” However, it also warned that these areas have previously been used by Hamas to launch attacks.
No specific timeline has been set for the evacuation, but the military estimates that about 100,000 people need to be moved. Army Radio reported earlier that evacuations were already underway in peripheral districts of Rafah, directing evacuees towards tent cities in nearby Khan Yunis and Al Muwassi, although the Israeli military has not confirmed these reports.
