The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced on Friday that over 630,000 Palestinians, including residents and displaced individuals, have been forced to flee Rafah since the Israeli military offensive began in the city.
According to UNRWA’s statement, the exodus began following the start of military operations on May 6.
Many of the displaced have sought refuge in Deir al-Balah, which has now become overcrowded and is suffering from dire conditions, UNRWA reported.
The agency highlighted that the forced displacement continues to affect the population of the Gaza Strip, exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli war which has lasted over seven months.
In addition to the evacuations, the Israeli Defense Forces have issued repeated warnings to citizens to leave their homes and evacuate from areas designated by the military.
Recently, the Israeli military described its latest operation as “limited,” aimed at gaining control over the Rafah Crossing. During this operation, Israeli forces entered the crossing and raised Israeli flags inside.
The Israeli military has declared full control over the Rafah Border Crossing, a crucial point linking the Gaza Strip with Egypt.
Since the intensification of military activities on October 7, over 35,000 people have been killed, according to the latest figures from the Gaza Health Ministry.
Foreign ministers from 13 nations have issued a stern warning to Israel against launching a comprehensive military attack on Rafah.
The four-page letter, dated last Wednesday and excluding the United States, was signed by all the members of the major industrialized Group of Seven nations, as reported by “Süddeutsche Zeitung” today, Friday.
The ministers, in their correspondence addressed to Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz, affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense while condemning the October 7th attack by Hamas and other Palestinian groups.
