Israel-Gaza war: Israel issues urgent evacuation notice to eastern Rafah amid escalating tensions

PTC Web Desk: Israel has issued an urgent evacuation notice to residents of eastern Rafah, Gaza, following warnings of imminent “intense action” in the area, as per CNN reports. Avichay Adraee, head of the IDF spokesperson’s unit’s Arab media division, urged residents to evacuate immediately to designated humanitarian areas at the checkpoints for their safety. The evacuation specifically targets individuals in Al-Shawka municipality and the neighborhoods of Al-Salam, Al-Jneina, Tiba Zaraa, and Al-Bayouk.

The announcement comes amid ongoing bombardment of Gaza since October 7, causing significant devastation. Many Rafah residents, already displaced multiple times, now face further displacement amidst escalating conflict, according to CNN. Humanitarian agencies have cautioned against a full-scale ground invasion of Rafah, citing heightened suffering and casualties among the 1.2 million displaced Palestinians in and around the city. Colonel Nadav Shoshani, the IDF’s international spokesperson, described the evacuation as a “limited scope operation” aimed at temporary relocation rather than a widespread evacuation.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant’s remarks to troops inside Gaza indicate preparations for intensified military action in Rafah and other areas. This follows the closure of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, a crucial lifeline for humanitarian aid, after being targeted by rocket attacks claimed by Hamas’ military wing, resulting in casualties among IDF soldiers. The decision to evacuate eastern Rafah raises concerns about the safety of displaced civilians and the lack of a secure refuge within Gaza.

Previous evacuation orders have drawn criticism from international bodies and humanitarian organisations, highlighting the absence of safe havens amid ongoing conflict, CNN reported.