Israel’s military has called for the evacuation of Palestinians from the eastern Rafah area in the southern Gaza Strip, signaling a potential ground invasion. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas over the Islamist group’s demands to end the seven-month war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to invade Rafah regardless of any truce, despite concerns from the United States, other countries, and aid groups.
The evacuation order, described as “limited” and temporary, aims to ensure the safety of civilians following a rocket strike on Sunday that killed four Israeli soldiers. The United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) expressed concerns about the potential civilian suffering and deaths that could result from an Israeli offensive in Rafah. The military estimates that around 100,000 people should move, while a Palestine Red Crescent representative stated that the designated evacuation zone already hosts around 250,000 people, many of whom are displaced from other parts of Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has criticized Israel for not presenting a credible plan to protect civilians in harm’s way, stating that without such a plan, the US cannot support a major military operation in Rafah. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties, with more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, killed according to Israeli official figures. Israel estimates that 128 hostages abducted by militants on October 7 remain in Gaza, including 35 who are believed to be dead. In response, Israel has conducted a retaliatory offensive that has resulted in the deaths of at least 34,683 people in Gaza, mostly women and children.
Israel’s military has expanded the humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, near Rafah, to accommodate increased aid flowing into Gaza. However, Palestinians in Rafah have expressed concerns about the safety of any designated areas, as the city has been repeatedly bombed from the air. Medics and first responders in Gaza reported that Israeli airstrikes killed 16 people in Rafah on Sunday, following the Hamas rocket fire that killed the Israeli soldiers.
Efforts to reach a truce have faced challenges, with negotiations in Cairo failing to produce a breakthrough. CIA Director Bill Burns is expected to hold “emergency” discussions in Doha with Qatar’s prime minister to explore avenues for resuming the talks. Hamas negotiators are also heading to Doha for consultations before returning to Cairo. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking at a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, denounced international criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza and vowed that Israel would stand alone if necessary.
The situation remains tense as the possibility of a ground invasion looms, raising concerns about further civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.