The Israeli military has announced its intention to relocate a significant portion of the 1.4 million displaced Palestinians currently residing in the southern town of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. This move is part of the military's preparations for an upcoming offensive in the area.
Rafah, which serves as Gaza's main entry point for humanitarian aid, has been a focal point of concern for Israel's allies and humanitarian organizations. The densely populated town has seen a surge in population as Palestinians from other conflict-affected areas sought refuge there.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of an offensive in Rafah to dismantle Hamas, following a recent attack by the militants that resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. The military aims to target Hamas forces concentrated in Rafah, which it seeks to eliminate.
The plan involves relocating the residents of Rafah to designated 'humanitarian islands' within Gaza, in coordination with international partners. These islands will provide temporary shelter, food, water, and essential supplies to the evacuated Palestinians.
While the exact timing of the evacuation and offensive remains undisclosed, Israeli officials stress the need for operational readiness and coordination with neighboring Egypt, which has expressed concerns about a potential influx of displaced individuals across its border.
During the ongoing conflict, Israel had previously directed evacuees to a designated safe zone along Gaza's coast, but challenges in accommodating large numbers of displaced persons were reported. The civilian death toll in Gaza has been significant, with thousands killed and a majority of the population displaced from their homes.
Israel attributes the civilian casualties to Hamas' practice of operating within residential areas, while claiming to have targeted thousands of Hamas fighters. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread destruction and a high toll on civilian lives.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's coverage.
