Israeli ground invasion of the southern Gazan city of Rafah appears imminent, causing fear and uncertainty among the residents who have already endured months of displacement and hardship. With around 65% of the enclave’s population residing in Rafah, the potential invasion poses a grave threat to the already vulnerable community.
The city, which serves as a key access point for humanitarian aid entering Gaza, could face severe consequences if Israeli forces move in. Aid groups have warned that the invasion could lead to the closure of vital border crossings, further exacerbating the food insecurity and humanitarian crisis in the region.
For residents like Maisaa Abu Samaan, who has been living in a tent with her family since being displaced in early November, the prospect of an invasion is a terrifying reality. With limited access to food and clean water, the daily struggles of finding basic necessities have taken a toll on their health and well-being.
The situation is dire for many families in Rafah, with some resorting to eating canned foods and relying on sporadic aid distributions to survive. The lack of regular access to nutritious meals has led to malnutrition and deteriorating health conditions among children and adults alike.
As the threat of invasion looms, residents like Qassem, Baroud, Faliona, and Hassan are faced with the grim prospect of being displaced once again, with nowhere else to go. The uncertainty and fear of what the future holds under Israeli military action have cast a shadow of despair over the already vulnerable population.
The international community has been urged to intervene and prevent further escalation of the crisis in Rafah, as the lives and well-being of thousands of Palestinians hang in the balance. The need for immediate humanitarian assistance and protection for the residents of Rafah has never been more urgent.