Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark directive to his military commanders, demanding they present a comprehensive plan for the mass evacuation of civilians from Rafah ahead of a anticipated ground offensive. This southern Gaza city has become the final refuge for over half of the territory's entire population, creating an unprecedented humanitarian challenge.
The announcement signals a significant escalation in Israel's military campaign against Hamas, potentially pushing the conflict into its most perilous phase yet. Rafah, situated on the border with Egypt, is now crammed with approximately 1.4 million displaced Palestinians living in desperate conditions within tent camps and overcrowded shelters.
International Alarm and Warnings
The prospect of a full-scale assault on such a densely populated area has triggered immediate alarm from international leaders and aid organisations. Foreign governments and United Nations officials have issued urgent warnings, stating that an attack on Rafah could lead to catastrophic consequences for the civilian population trapped there with nowhere safe to go.
Mr Netanyahu's office stated the military operation is necessary to apply "intense pressure" on Hamas to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held captive. However, the Prime Minister faces mounting pressure from both his right-wing coalition partners to pursue a more aggressive strategy and from international allies urging extreme caution.
A City on the Edge
Rafah represents the last major urban centre in Gaza that Israeli ground troops have not yet entered. The city's population has swelled from around 280,000 to over 1.4 million as Palestinians fled there following Israeli evacuation orders issued for northern and central areas of the strip.
Humanitarian agencies describe the situation in Rafah as desperate and unsustainable, with severe shortages of food, water, medicine and adequate shelter. The United Nations has repeatedly emphasised that no safe evacuation routes exist from Rafah, with neighbouring countries unlikely to accept large numbers of refugees and other areas of Gaza facing similar destruction.
As diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes to broker a ceasefire and hostage deal, the order to prepare for Rafah's evacuation suggests Israel is preparing for the next phase of its military campaign, regardless of international concern about the potential human cost.
