Rafah, a city on the border with Egypt, is the next target for Israeli forces as they continue to expand their military operation to oust Hamas from Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. The decision to move into Rafah comes after the successful dismantling of the militant brigade in Khan Younis, a larger city less than seven miles north.
Aid workers and humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns about the dangerous overcrowding in Rafah, as civilians who have been displaced multiple times are now at risk of famine and illness. The potential for further conflict in the area has raised alarm bells, with the prospect of significant harm looming over the already vulnerable population.
The population of Rafah has skyrocketed to at least 1.4 million people, a five-fold increase from its pre-war population estimate of 280,000. Israeli officials have not specified their plans for Rafah, but they have already conducted strikes in the area, leading to casualties and further instability.
The war in Gaza has led to a drastic reshaping of the demographics, with almost nine out of ten Palestinians in the area being displaced, according to U.N. estimates. The World Health Organization Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has reported that over 100,000 Gazans are either dead, injured, or missing and presumed dead.
The mounting humanitarian crisis in Rafah has drawn attention to the inadequate aid reaching the border, leaving the population increasingly desperate. The lack of access to food and essential supplies has become a pressing concern for humanitarian groups, and the severe overcrowding has led to the breakdown of sanitary precautions.
Additionally, the political situation has further complicated the crisis, as Western governments have suspended funding to UNRWA, the chief logistical force for aid in Gaza, following allegations of involvement in attacks on Israel and widespread support for militant groups within the organization.
The combined impact of the military operation, overcrowding, and political implications has led to a dire situation in Rafah, with the potential for devastating consequences on the civilian population. As the conflict continues to unfold, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a path to reconciliation remains a top priority for the international community.