Israel has initiated the evacuation of residents from Rafah, hinting at an imminent attack on the Gaza city. The Israeli military announced on Monday that approximately 100,000 people were being relocated from the area.
A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces issued a warning on Monday morning, stating that they would use “extreme force against terrorist organizations in your areas of residence.” Residents of eastern Rafah were urged to move northwards to a designated “expanded humanitarian area” near Khan Younis, another city in Gaza.
Reports from Kan News, Israel’s primary broadcaster, indicated that the IDF was gearing up for a ground operation in Rafah. The army also conducted an airdrop of leaflets advising residents about the evacuation process.
The decision to target Rafah comes after stalled ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Cairo. Additionally, three Israeli soldiers were killed in a rocket barrage at the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Sunday, prompting the need for a strategic response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently emphasized the relocation of civilians from Rafah before any potential attack. The city currently houses around 1.4 million people, with many seeking refuge there during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The timeline for the evacuation process remains uncertain, with Israeli officials acknowledging that it could span over several weeks. The United States has also expressed concerns about ensuring the safety of the evacuation operation.
In a separate incident, Lebanese state media reported that three civilians were injured in an Israeli strike on a “military compound” belonging to Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon. The escalating tensions in the region highlight the volatile situation and the potential for further conflict.