Israel’s military has issued a directive urging residents and displaced individuals to evacuate eastern neighborhoods of Rafah and relocate to an “expanded humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized the importance of this evacuation through various communication channels, including announcements, text messages, phone calls, and media broadcasts in Arabic.
Avichay Adraee, head of the Arab media division of the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, specifically urged those residing in the municipality of Al-Shawka and neighboring areas to relocate to expanded humanitarian zones at checkpoints for their safety.
Israel has been insisting on a full-scale offensive in Rafah, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressing the necessity of victory against Hamas.
The region is believed to harbor four remaining Hamas battalions, including thousands of fighters, raising concerns about civilian casualties in the event of a wide ground operation.
Western and Arab powers, along with the UN, have repeatedly endorsed against such measures due to the potential for significant civilian harm.
The ongoing bombardment of Gaza by Israel since October 7 has inflicted immense devastation on the enclave, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins and exacerbating shortages of essential supplies like food, fuel, and water.
The resulting displacement has forced many Palestinians to seek shelter in Rafah multiple times during the seven-month conflict.
Aid agencies have vehemently opposed a full-scale ground invasion, warning of further suffering and death among the 1.4 million displaced Palestinians in and around the southern city.
According to the IDF, the operation is of “limited scope” and will progress gradually based on ongoing situation assessments.
The military estimates that approximately 100,000 people will need to be relocated as part of this initiative.
On Sunday (5 May), Defense Minister Yoav Galant’s announcement of “intense action in Rafah in the near future” underscores the escalating tensions in the region, driven by Hamas’ refusal to agree on hostages and a ceasefire.
