European Union Council President Charles Michel has expressed strong concern over the Israeli military's evacuation orders for civilians in Rafah to what he deems as 'unsafe zones.' Michel deemed this action as 'unacceptable' and called on the Israeli government to adhere to international humanitarian law. He further urged Israel not to proceed with a ground operation in Rafah.
Michel emphasized the importance of ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need through fully functioning crossing points. This statement comes as the Israel Defense Forces have instructed residents of several neighborhoods in eastern Rafah to evacuate immediately as military operations intensify in the southern Gazan city.
The IDF's Arab media division spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, issued a statement directing individuals in Rafah and Al-Shaboura camps, as well as residents of Al-Adari, Al-Jeneina, and parts of Khirbet Al-Adas, to relocate promptly to the expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi.
Al-Mawasi, already hosting a significant number of displaced Palestinians, has now been designated as the relocation site for civilians from Rafah. The situation remains tense as the Israeli military's actions continue to draw international scrutiny and calls for compliance with humanitarian norms.
