Israel ordered new evacuations in Gaza’s city of Rafah, pushing tens of thousands of people to move as it prepares to expand its operation. The move comes amid heavy international opposition and criticism, with U.S. President Joe Biden stating he will not provide offensive weapons to Israel for Rafah. The U.S. has also accused Israel of breaching international law in its war against Hamas. The United Nations and aid agencies have warned that an assault on Rafah would lead to a surge in civilian casualties and cripple humanitarian operations. Despite the evacuations, the situation remains dire for the displaced Palestinians, with limited options for relocation and strained infrastructure in makeshift camps.
The evacuations from Rafah have caused more than 1.4 million Palestinians to move, with many seeking refuge in the city after fleeing Israel’s previous offensives. The continuous displacement of people has overwhelmed the already devastated areas in Gaza, forcing individuals to return to locations hit by previous Israeli attacks. Aid agencies are struggling to provide essential supplies to the displaced populations, including tents, blankets, and bedding. The closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt has further exacerbated the situation by cutting off the main point of entry for fuel and food aid. As resources run out, hospitals face the risk of shutting down critical operations and aid distribution is at risk of halting.
The Israeli military has captured the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, leading to a shutdown and preventing the flow of essential goods. Heavy fighting is also taking place in northern Gaza, where Hamas has regrouped in response to Israeli assaults. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee has warned residents in the area of Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya to evacuate to shelters in Gaza City, as the region is considered a dangerous combat zone. Despite efforts to evacuate civilians to humanitarian safe zones, overcrowding and poor conditions in these areas pose additional challenges for the displaced population.
Strikes continue across Gaza, with reports of at least 19 people, including women and children, killed in overnight bombings. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that more than 34,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed as a result of Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives. The United Nations agency UNRWA has expressed extreme concern over the evacuation orders in Rafah and Jabaliya, noting that hundreds of thousands of people have been affected. Palestinians in Rafah are being sent to humanitarian safe zones along the Muwasi coastal strip, but conditions in these areas are already squalid due to overcrowding and lack of basic facilities. The ongoing violence and displacement in Gaza have created a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention and action from the international community.
