Israeli radio announced today, Monday, that Israeli forces have begun evacuating Palestinian civilians from the Rafah area ahead of a potential assault on the city located in southern Gaza. According to the report, evacuation efforts are currently focused on a few areas surrounding Rafah, with evacuees being directed to the nearby cities of Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi.
The Israeli army indicated that "the evacuation in Rafah is part of a (limited scale) operation," affirming it "will not set a timeframe for the evacuation of Rafah and operational assessments will be conducted." It was reported that "the evacuation from eastern Rafah includes approximately 100,000 people."
Israeli military radio revealed that "Israeli officials have informed Egypt about the start of the evacuation process in Rafah." Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli planes dropped leaflets over Rafah urging residents to leave immediately towards Al-Mawasi.
A Hamas leader told Reuters that "the evacuation of Rafah will have repercussions, and the United States bears responsibility along with Israel," calling the Israeli directive to evacuate residents from Rafah a "dangerous escalation."
For his part, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an "urgent appeal" to all residents and displaced individuals in the areas of the Shouka municipality and the neighborhoods of Al-Salam, Al-Jinina, Tabbat Zar'a, and Al-Biyouk in Rafah, specifically in blocks: 10-16, 28, 270. In a statement, he said, "The Defense Army will act vigorously against terrorist organizations in the areas where you reside, just as it has done so far. Anyone near terrorist organizations puts their life and their family's life at risk."
He continued: "For your safety, the Defense Army urges you to evacuate immediately to the expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi." He concluded by warning that the city of Gaza remains a dangerous combat zone and urged residents to refrain from returning north from the Gaza Valley. He cautioned against approaching the eastern and southern security fence.
