The Israeli Army, through a statement on social media, asked this Monday (6) that Palestinians living in East Rafah evacuate the region to Al-Mawasi, a humanitarian area declared by the country.
In the announcement, the Israel Defense Force said it had expanded assistance to the area, with field hospitals, tents and additional food, water, medicine and other supplies.
The Israeli military estimates that at least 100,000 people from Rafah must leave in a “limited scope” evacuation. Israel describes Rafah as Hamas’ last significant stronghold.
According to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, military action there is necessary due to Hamas’ refusal to release hostages as part of proposals for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The announcement comes amid ceasefire negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last Tuesday (30) that the Israeli Army would enter Rafah “with or without an agreement” in the Gaza Strip.
The city borders Egypt, but the Palestinians are prohibited from crossing control border.
“The idea that we stop the war before achieving all our objectives is out of the question. We will enter Rafah and eliminate the Hamas battalions there — with or without an agreement, to achieve complete victory,” he wrote the premier on his social networks.
The proposal includes a ceasefire in exchange for the return of around 130 hostages still held by Hamas. However, the two parties still disagree about the pause in bombings: Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire that leads to a gradual end to the war, while Israel accepts only a temporary truce in attacks.
This Tuesday, the Commissioner General of the UN Refugee Agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said he thinks that, if there is no agreement this week, entry into Rafah could take place in the next few days.
“People have not yet been evacuated from Rafah, but there is a feeling that if there is no agreement this week, this could happen at any time,” said Lazzarini.
Israel signals that invasion of Rafah is imminent
Tags: Israeli army asks Palestinians evacuate parts Rafah World
