Israel (Transatlantic Today) – As a recent development in the Gaza conflict, Israel announced fresh instructions for Rafah’s evacuation on May 12, 2024, indicating a step up in its military actions in the area.
Expansion of Israeli Operations
As it prepares to expand its operations, the Israeli military has asked a large number of citizens of Rafah, which is located in the southern Gaza Strip, to leave. According to reports, Israeli forces are moving toward the northern enclave’s areas where the Hamas insurgent group is said to have gathered.
Current Situation in Rafah
Currently, Israel has successfully evacuated a significant portion of Rafah, extending to the outskirts of the densely populated city center. However, a large-scale invasion, which was anticipated, has not yet been launched.
International Response
This move by Israel comes amidst mounting international opposition. US President Joe Biden has affirmed withholding offensive weapons to Israel specifically for Rafah. Moreover, concerns have been raised by Washington and various organizations regarding potential violations of international law safeguarding civilians in conflict zones.
Humanitarian Repercussions
The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have warned that an Israeli assault on Rafah would significantly hinder humanitarian efforts and lead to a catastrophic surge in civilian casualties. This is primarily due to Rafah’s proximity to crucial aid distribution routes.
Mass Displacement and Resource Shortages
Over 1.4 million Palestinians, constituting half of Gaza’s population, sought refuge in Rafah, particularly after fleeing Israeli offensives in other areas. The ongoing evacuations are compelling Palestinians to move northwards, further exacerbating the crisis.
According to Vozdeamerica, it is believed that approximately 110,000 people have already abandoned their houses, with an additional 40,000 expected to do so following the current evacuation orders. The paucity of humanitarian resources, such as tents, blankets, and bedding, exacerbates the displaced population’s predicament.
Impact on Humanitarian Operations
The closure of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt has disrupted the flow of vital resources, including fuel, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Aid organizations are struggling to assist due to the lack of essential supplies.
Continued Conflict and Calls for Evacuation
In the northern Gaza Strip, intense fighting persists, especially in areas where Hamas has reportedly regrouped. Israel has urged Palestinians to evacuate combat zones and seek refuge in safe places.
Hamas’s Response
Following Israel’s rejection of a plan provided by international mediators, Hamas members have stated that efforts to broker a truce in Gaza have restarted from scratch. Hamas claims that it will communicate with other Palestinian factions to strategize future negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
Israel’s Stand
Despite facing international pressure and criticism, Israel maintains its actions are by the laws of armed conflict, stressing efforts to lower civilian casualties.
Human Cost of Conflict
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Israeli offensive has killed over 34,800 people, the majority of whom were women and children. This figure includes both civilian and combat casualties. The fighting has caused massive devastation, with about 80% of Gaza’s population displaced from their homes since the war began in October.
The Origins of the Conflict
The current phase of hostilities began on October 7, after Hamas launched a horrific attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people, the majority of whom were civilians. Furthermore, Hamas is suspected of kidnapping roughly 250 people, with Israel saying that about 100 captives remain in their custody, along with the remains of over 30 others.
