The Israeli military has directed civilians in certain areas of Rafah to move to a new humanitarian location in anticipation of a forthcoming ground operation.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) communicated via social media posts their encouragement for inhabitants of eastern Rafah to evacuate.
According to Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an army spokesperson, about 100,000 individuals have been instructed to relocate to a humanitarian zone called Muwasi, as reported by The Associated Press. He also mentioned that Israel was preparing a “limited scope operation,” but did not clarify whether this was part of a larger invasion of the city.
The IDF conveyed on the social media platform X that they are urging civilians to move to the new area through flyers, text messages, phone calls, and media broadcasts. They also provided a graphic indicating the evacuation zone.
“The IDF will persist in pursuing Hamas throughout Gaza until all the captives held by them are returned home,” the military wrote on X.
For months, Israel has been issuing warnings about an incursion into the southern city of Rafah as it pledges to eradicate Hamas following the militant group’s deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
The anticipated Israeli invasion of Rafah — where more than 1 million Palestinians are believed to be taking refuge — is occurring despite advisories against it from the U.S. and international aid organizations.
President Biden and other administration officials have frequently cautioned Israel against proceeding with the invasion without a clear plan to safeguard civilians.
The AP reported over the weekend that Israel had informed U.S. officials about a strategy to evacuate Palestinian civilians in Rafah, citing unidentified officials.
The evacuation orders coincide with international negotiators' efforts to broker a cease-fire and hostage agreement between Hamas and Israel, but last week Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that a Rafah invasion would occur “with or without” a deal.
Around 80 percent of Gaza’s population has been displaced from their residences during the Israel-Hamas conflict, with local health officials reporting a death toll exceeding 34,500 people.
The Associated Press contributed.
