Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued orders for the military to prepare for the evacuation of civilians from the southern Gazan city of Rafah. This move comes ahead of an anticipated expanded offensive against the Palestinian group Hamas. Approximately 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking refuge in Rafah from Israeli combat operations in other parts of Gaza.
The United States has cautioned Israel against launching an invasion of Rafah, describing it as a “disaster.” The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) have also expressed their concerns. Aid groups, however, have pointed out the impracticality of evacuating the entire population of the city.
Netanyahu instructed military and security officials to present a comprehensive plan to the cabinet for evacuating the population and neutralizing the battalions of Hamas. His office stated, “It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war without eliminating Hamas. Leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah would hinder the objective. Intense activity in Rafah requires the evacuation of civilians from combat areas.”
Earlier in the week, Netanyahu declared that he had ordered troops to “prepare to operate” in Rafah and predicted “total victory” for Israel over Hamas within months. These statements were made while rejecting the latest proposed ceasefire terms from Hamas. Negotiators for Hamas have reportedly left Cairo, and talks between the two sides are now on hold.
Most residents of Rafah have been displaced by fighting in other parts of Gaza and are currently living in tents. Rafah is the only crossing point between Gaza and Egypt.
EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, expressed alarm at reports of an Israeli military offensive on Rafah, highlighting its potential catastrophic consequences on the already dire humanitarian situation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a “humanitarian nightmare,” expressing extreme concern about the fate of civilians in Rafah. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), emphasized the growing anxiety and panic among the population.
Reported Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Friday resulted in at least 15 casualties, including eight in Rafah, according to officials from the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel has not immediately commented on these reports.
Garda al-Kourd, a mother-of-two displaced multiple times during the war, expressed her anticipation of an Israeli assault but hoped for a ceasefire agreement before it occurred. She shared her concern that if an assault happens in Rafah, it would be the end for them, as there is no other place to go.
US President Joe Biden, without directly referring to Rafah, criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as “over the top.” The US National Security Council emphasized the special obligation of the Israeli military to factor in the protection of innocent civilian lives during operations.
The situation remains tense, with warnings of potential disastrous consequences for civilians in Rafah if a large-scale military operation unfolds. The international community is closely monitoring developments and urging restraint to prevent further humanitarian tragedy in the region.
