Israel issued an urgent call for civilian evacuation in parts of Rafah, Gaza, amidst escalating tensions with Hamas.
The move, conveyed through Arabic text messages, telephone calls, and flyers, instructed residents to relocate to a designated “expanded humanitarian zone” 20 km away.
This operation, described as “limited scope” by Israel’s military, aims to prepare for potential offensive actions against Hamas holdouts in Rafah, where thousands of fighters and hostages are believed to be housed.
The looming threat of incursions in Rafah has heightened concerns among Western powers and neighboring Egypt, which is facilitating truce talks between Israel and Hamas.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, linked the evacuation to the deadlock in diplomacy, blaming Hamas for rejecting proposed frameworks.
Gallant emphasized the necessity of military action, including operations in Rafah, in the absence of viable alternatives.
Israeli military directives urged residents in eastern Rafah to relocate to nearby “humanitarian areas,” with evacuations focused on peripheral districts.
Recent violence has intensified, with Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas, resulting in casualties. In response, Hamas launched rocket attacks near Rafah, killing three Israeli soldiers.
The conflict, which began after Hamas’ cross-border raid in October, has led to extensive casualties and exacerbated humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. United Nations officials accuse Israel of obstructing humanitarian access in Gaza, where famine threatens millions.
The situation underscores the urgency for diplomatic resolution and humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering in Gaza. However, prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain as violence escalates and civilian casualties mount.
