Amidst growing local, regional, and international concerns about an Israeli plan to invade Rafah, a city densely populated with displaced Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his intention to launch the military operation. In statements to ABC News, Netanyahu said, “Those warning us against entering Rafah are essentially telling us to lose the war and leave Hamas there.” He also considered victory within reach by taking control of Rafah, describing it as “the last stronghold of Hamas.”
Netanyahu mentioned that the Israeli forces would enter the city in the southern Gaza Strip, ensuring safe passage for civilians to leave. He concluded by stating that a detailed plan was being developed for this purpose, emphasizing that the matter was not being taken lightly. However, he did not specify where the over one million displaced people who sought refuge in the city, following previous instructions from the Israeli military, would go.
These statements come as concerns rise among the displaced people crammed in Rafah, in tents or unprepared shelters, and even on the streets, about an impending Israeli attack. Many Palestinians expressed their fears of the anticipated Israeli attack and their concerns about a repeat of the Gaza City scenario. One woman highlighted the terror children experience from the daily sounds of shells and gunfire, while another citizen described the situation as extremely difficult, saying, “We are suffocating and tired.”
Hamas warned on Saturday of a potential “massacre” in Rafah, which has become the last refuge for more than a million displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza Strip, as Israel continues its heavy bombardment. International fears have also escalated about a possible ground attack on the city bordering Egypt, with the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, Joseph Borrell, describing the potential Israeli military attack as an “indescribable humanitarian disaster.”
The situation has drawn international attention, with warnings from various global entities about the potential for a humanitarian disaster. The United Nations and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the escalating hostilities and the impact on civilians, particularly in light of the dense population in Rafah and the limited options for safe evacuation.
