The Israeli army has issued an evacuation order for tens of thousands of Palestinians in Rafah, sparking fears of an imminent ground assault on the southern Gaza city. With 1.4 million people already displaced by Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza seeking shelter in Rafah, the situation is dire.
The order, which came shortly before Hamas approved a ceasefire proposal from mediators Qatar and Egypt, has raised concerns about the safety of civilians in the area. The Israeli military spokesperson stated that about 100,000 people in eastern Rafah should evacuate to a designated humanitarian area on the coast.
As tensions escalate, reports of increased bombardment in the city have emerged, with Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum describing nonstop bombing of residential houses. The situation has prompted residents like Mohammad Al Najar and Aminah Adwan to express their fears of an impending catastrophe.
International reactions to Israel’s evacuation order have been swift and critical. Countries like Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union have urged Israel to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. The United Nations agencies, NGOs, and human rights organizations have also voiced concerns about the potential humanitarian crisis that could unfold in Rafah.
With the situation in Rafah growing increasingly dire, the world is watching closely as the Israeli army’s actions unfold and the fate of the city’s residents hangs in the balance.