
(Scypre.com) – On Saturday, as tensions continued to escalate in the Middle East, Israel announced further evacuations in the city of Rafah, located in southern Gaza. This move affected tens of thousands of residents, increasing the number of displaced individuals as Israel planned to intensify its military operations. This expansion aims towards the central regions of Gaza, sparking concerns from international observers and key allies, including the United States.
The Israeli military has shifted its focus to northern Gaza, an area already suffering from significant destruction. Here, they allege the presence of Hamas militants regrouping. The escalation in Rafah is particularly concerning given its status as a critical refuge in Gaza, with Israel having evacuated the eastern third of the city.
The United Nations has expressed severe concerns about the implications of a full-scale invasion of Rafah. Such actions could further disrupt humanitarian efforts and lead to increased civilian casualties. Rafah’s strategic position, bordering Egypt near key aid entry points, complicates the crisis. After Israeli forces took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, the crucial passage was forced to shut down, complicating aid efforts.
Egyptian authorities have criticized Israel’s intensified military actions and have halted coordination over aid delivery through the Rafah crossing. This stance was broadcasted by the state-owned Al Qahera News, which cited an official emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The U.S. response has been to limit military aid specific to the Rafah operation, with President Joe Biden explicitly stating the prohibition of offensive weaponry for this purpose. The Biden administration has also hinted at potential violations of international law by Israel in protecting civilians, marking a significant public stance by Washington on the issue.
Israel maintains that its military operations are in line with international laws of armed conflict, asserting extensive measures to minimize civilian casualties, including preemptive notifications of military actions through various communications.
The crisis has displaced over 1.4 million Palestinians, nearly half of Gaza’s population, with many finding temporary refuge in Rafah. Recent evacuation orders have forced an additional 40,000 people to leave, adding to the already critical situation. Residents, such as Hanan al-Satari, expressed the dire circumstances leading to their decision to evacuate, emphasizing the lack of safety across Gaza.
The repeated displacements have taken a toll, with makeshift camps arising in places like Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, which are themselves reeling from previous conflicts. The humanitarian situation is further exacerbated by the creation of what Israel refers to as humanitarian safe zones, which are already overwhelmed and lacking in basic services.
United Nations officials, like Georgios Petropoulos from the humanitarian agency, have highlighted the severe resource shortages, including basic necessities like tents and blankets, essential for those displaced.
Amid these evacuations, northern Gaza remains a hotspot of conflict, with the Israeli army urging residents of areas like Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya to seek safety due to imminent military operations. This directive comes as part of Israel’s broader ground offensive, initially triggered by attacks from Hamas and other militants.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the conflict has resulted in over 34,800 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children, although these figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel attributes these high civilian casualties to Hamas’ tactics of operating within densely populated areas.
Amidst these harrowing developments, diplomatic efforts like the recent cease-fire talks in Cairo have yet to yield a resolution, underscoring the complex and entrenched nature of this conflict.