Israeli Forces Begin Evacuation of Civilians in Rafah... Preparations for Ground Offensive Underway

Tent village in Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip accommodating refugees [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The Israeli military has begun evacuating civilians from Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip, considered Hamas's last stronghold.

According to local media including the daily Haaretz on the 6th (local time), the Israeli military initiated civilian evacuation operations in Rafah that day. Avichay Adrai, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson, stated on social media platform X that the 'humanitarian zone' in Al-Mawasi on the coast is being expanded and urged residents staying in eastern Rafah to evacuate to this area.

He said, "Al-Mawasi is equipped with a field hospital, tent camps, food, water, and medicines," adding, "Based on political approval, the Israeli military is urging the temporary evacuation of residents in eastern Rafah. This process will be carried out gradually depending on future situation assessments."

Spokesperson Adrai also added that information about the civilian evacuation would be provided through leaflets, mobile phone messages, phone calls, and Arabic media. It was also reported that relief organizations operating in the Gaza Strip have received information regarding the Israeli military's commencement of civilian evacuation.

Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant indicated his intention to soon launch a military operation in Rafah after Hamas fired about ten rockets near Rafah at the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southern Israel, causing casualties. He suggested that Hamas does not appear to want a ceasefire. Last weekend, Hamas demanded from Israel a ceasefire discussion and a promise of Israeli military withdrawal during ceasefire and hostage release negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Cairo in Egypt's capital.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clearly stated that Hamas's ceasefire demands are absolutely unacceptable. Accordingly, there is speculation that the ceasefire negotiations may again fail to bear fruit, which could lead to the start of an attack on Rafah.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.