Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip, has faced new evacuation orders from Israel, compelling tens of thousands of residents to relocate as the military operation expands towards the densely populated central area. The military also announced their movement into northern Gaza, where they believe Hamas militants have regrouped. The ongoing evacuations pose a significant challenge to humanitarian operations and raise concerns about a potential surge in civilian casualties, according to the United Nations and other organizations.
As tensions escalate, U.S. President Joe Biden has refrained from supplying offensive weapons to Israel for their operations in Rafah. This decision comes after the U.S. expressed concerns about Israel’s adherence to international laws protecting civilians during their conflict with Hamas. In response, Israel’s foreign policy adviser emphasized their compliance with the laws of armed conflict and their efforts to minimize civilian casualties through various communication methods.
Over 1.4 million Palestinians, half of Gaza’s population, have sought refuge in Rafah, with many fleeing previous offensives by Israel. The recent evacuations have forced residents to return north, exacerbating the devastation caused by previous attacks. The resulting strain on resources and infrastructure has prompted a humanitarian crisis, leaving many displaced individuals with limited shelter options.
Amid the chaos, the World Food Program faces food shortages in southern Gaza, while fuel scarcity threatens essential services like healthcare. The lack of supplies and resources compounds the challenges faced by aid workers trying to assist the displaced population. Meanwhile, heavy fighting persists in northern Gaza, with Israel urging residents to seek shelter as clashes intensify.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) estimates that approximately 300,000 people in Rafah and Jabaliya have been impacted by evacuation orders, highlighting the widespread displacement in these densely populated areas. The civilian toll of the conflict continues to rise, with civilians bearing the brunt of the casualties. Despite international efforts to broker ceasefires, the cycle of violence shows no signs of abating, leaving many in the region in a state of uncertainty and fear.