Israel is preparing for a massive ground operation inside Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, where 1.5 million Palestinians have taken refuge. The Israeli army has ordered tens of thousands of Palestinians to evacuate the city, signaling an imminent ground operation. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel had no choice but to act in Rafah after Hamas carried out a deadly rocket attack that killed four Israeli soldiers. International mediators, including the CIA, have been unsuccessful in brokering a cease-fire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to carry out a military operation in Rafah, starting with a “limited scope operation.” Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an army spokesman, stated that around 100,000 people are being asked to move to a humanitarian zone called Muwasi. Evacuation orders have been disseminated through various means, including air-dropped leaflets, text messages, and radio broadcasts. Israel has expanded humanitarian aid in Muwasi, including field hospitals, tents, food, and water, and is urging the population to evacuate immediately for their safety.
The Israeli army announced on social media that it would use “extreme force” against Hamas terrorists in Rafah and encouraged the population to evacuate promptly. The Biden administration reportedly halted a shipment of U.S.-manufactured ammunition to Israel following a Hamas terror attack. This marks the first time such a shipment was stopped, leading to confusion within the Israeli government. Approximately 1.5 million Palestinians, over half of Gaza’s population, have sought shelter in Rafah after being forced to evacuate other areas amid ongoing conflict with Hamas.
With Rafah identified as the final significant Hamas stronghold after months of warfare, the Israeli army is gearing up for a major operation. Evacuation orders have been issued to Palestinians in the city through various channels, with warnings of danger near militant organizations. Israel has established humanitarian zones like Muwasi to accommodate evacuees and provide essential aid. The Biden administration’s decision to halt ammunition shipments to Israel adds a new element to the situation, as efforts to broker a cease-fire remain unsuccessful.
Israeli forces are preparing to enter Rafah to take on Hamas, with Defense Minister Gallant emphasizing the necessity of action following the deadly rocket attack. Prime Minister Netanyahu has promised to carry out a military operation, starting with a limited scope effort. Evacuation orders have been disseminated to the city’s residents, with significant preparations made to provide humanitarian aid in designated zones. The Israeli army has reiterated its intent to use extreme force against Hamas and has urged prompt evacuation for the safety of the population.
Efforts by international mediators to broker a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict have proven ineffective, leading Israel to prepare for a ground operation in Rafah. Amid escalating tensions, the Biden administration’s decision to halt ammunition shipments to Israel has added a new dimension to the situation. With vast numbers of Palestinians sheltering in Rafah, and Hamas identified as a significant threat, Israel is determined to take action to address the situation. The impending ground operation, along with evacuation orders and humanitarian aid efforts, are part of a complex and volatile situation unfolding in Gaza.
