Escalation in Rafah: Israeli Bombardment and Evacuation Orders

The Israeli army escalated its bombardment in two neighborhoods in Rafah, intensifying aerial and artillery attacks. These neighborhoods, Al Shuka and Al Salam, had been ordered evacuated just hours earlier, according to the Palestinian civil defense in the Gaza Strip.

Evacuation Directive

The Israeli military had previously directed approximately 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate the eastern neighborhoods of Rafah, near the Israeli border, in anticipation of a potential offensive in the southern Gaza Strip. Civilians were urged to relocate to an expanded humanitarian zone in the Al Mawasi and Khan Younis areas. The evacuation notice was disseminated through leaflets, text messages, phone calls, and media advertisements in Arabic.

Ground Attack Preparation

The Israeli War Cabinet approved the operation in Rafah, described as "limited and temporary," with plans to commence the military action within a few days, contingent on the evacuation's completion. This operation could be halted if Hamas agrees to a ceasefire, as stated by a senior Israeli official, emphasizing the reversibility of the preparations.

Hamas Response

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, labeled the evacuation order ahead of the planned offensive as a "dangerous escalation" with potential severe consequences. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou expressed a willingness to continue negotiations positively, emphasizing that any agreement must include a permanent ceasefire and meet the demands of the Palestinian people.

Military and Diplomatic Moves

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in a discussion with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin, stated that Hamas left Israel "no choice but to start the operation" in Rafah. Gallant highlighted Israel's efforts to negotiate the release of hostages and a temporary ceasefire, although he noted that Hamas was currently rejecting any proposals that would permit such outcomes.

Humanitarian Impact

The evacuation from eastern Rafah involves relocating around 100,000 people, with the World Health Organization reporting that approximately 1.2 million people are currently seeking refuge in Rafah. An Israeli raid on a house in Rafah resulted in nine fatalities, underscoring the conflict's severe human toll.

This ongoing situation in Rafah highlights the intense military and humanitarian challenges in the region, with significant implications for both immediate safety and long-term regional stability.