The Israeli military has issued a critical evacuation notice to residents of eastern Rafah, citing an imminent “intense action” in the area, according to a report by CNN. Avichay Adraee, head of the Arab media division of the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, urged residents to evacuate promptly to designated humanitarian areas at checkpoints for their safety. This directive specifically targets individuals residing in the municipality of Al-Shawka and the neighborhoods of Al-Salam, Al-Jneina, Tiba Zaraa, and Al-Bayouk in the Rafah area.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing bombardment in Gaza, which has resulted in significant devastation since October 7. Many residents of Rafah, who have already been displaced multiple times, now face the prospect of further displacement amid escalating conflict, as reported by CNN.
Humanitarian agencies have expressed concerns about a full-scale ground invasion of Rafah, warning of heightened suffering and casualties among the 1.2 million displaced Palestinians in and around the city. Northern Gaza is already grappling with severe famine, worsened by months of conflict, as highlighted by the World Food Programme.
Colonel Nadav Shoshani, the IDF’s international spokesperson, described the evacuation as a “limited scope operation” aimed at temporary relocation rather than a widespread evacuation. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant’s remarks to troops inside Gaza suggest preparations for intensified military action in Rafah and other areas.
This development follows the closure of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, a vital lifeline for humanitarian aid, after being targeted by rocket attacks claimed by Hamas’ military wing, resulting in casualties among IDF soldiers.
The decision to evacuate eastern Rafah raises concerns about the safety of displaced civilians and the lack of a secure refuge within Gaza. Previous evacuation orders have drawn criticism from international bodies and humanitarian organizations, highlighting the absence of safe havens amid ongoing conflict, as per CNN’s report.