Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the evacuation of approximately 100,000 Palestinians from eastern Rafah city in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The move is a strategic effort to dismantle Hamas and ensure the safety of civilians, as reported by the Israeli Army. The evacuation order has been communicated through various means such as posters, SMS messages, phone calls, and broadcasts in Arabic media.
Residents of the eastern neighborhoods of Rafah near the Philadelphia corridor bordering Egypt have been urged to evacuate and head towards the “humanitarian zone” of Al Mawasi. The humanitarian area has been expanded to accommodate the evacuated population and provide essential supplies like food, water, and medical assistance. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has not directly linked this evacuation to a planned land invasion of Rafah but emphasizes that it is necessary for military objectives.
The recent attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths and injuries of Israeli soldiers near Kerem Shalom crossing has led to this evacuation order. Israel has accused Hamas of carrying out terror activities against its citizens and wants them to be defeated before peace can be achieved in Gaza. Meanwhile, UN officials are concerned about increased attacks on humanitarian convoys and personnel in Gaza, which creates challenges for delivering aid and preventing famine in the region.
The escalating conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants highlights the urgent need for peace negotiations and international intervention to protect civilian lives and ensure stability in the region.
