More Rafah evacuations ordered as Israel strikes Gaza

Israeli strikes on Saturday hit parts of Gaza, including Rafah, where Israel expanded an evacuation order, sparking fears of a humanitarian disaster. The U.N. warned of an “epic” catastrophe if an outright invasion of the crowded city occurs.

AFP journalists, medics, and witnesses reported strikes from the south to the north of the coastal territory. At least 21 people were killed during strikes in central Gaza, with bodies covered in white laying on the ground in a courtyard of a hospital.

In Rafah, witnesses reported intense air strikes near the crossing with Egypt, and images showed smoke rising over the city. Israeli troops seized and closed the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, citing Hamas terrorist activities.

The conflict began with Hamas’s attack on Israel, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides. The U.S. State Department reported that Israel likely violated international law in its use of weapons but did not find enough evidence to block shipments.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “eliminate” Hamas battalions in Rafah, while the U.N. Secretary-General warned of a potential humanitarian disaster if a full-scale ground operation occurs.

More than 100,000 people fled Rafah after the initial evacuation order, with Israel giving a figure of 300,000 residents preparing to flee again. The situation remains tense, with rocket fire from Gaza injuring an Israeli civilian and the U.N. General Assembly granting Palestinians additional rights.

The conflict in Rafah continues to escalate, with concerns growing over the impact on civilians and the need for humanitarian aid to reach the affected areas.