Israel’s impending military operation in Rafah, the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza, is to begin with an evacuation of civilians that could last up to five weeks, Israel’s Kan radio reported on Thursday.
In this first phase of the ground operation, civilians in the southern city near the Egyptian border will be moved to safer locations, the report said.
Israel’s allies and critics have for months implored Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call off the invasion of Rafah, fearing mass civilian casualties.
More than a million displaced Palestinians from other parts of the Gaza Strip have taken shelter there. Rafah also is the site of the main crossing through which aid enters the territory.
Despite the pressure being piled on Israel, the government argues it must move ahead with the ground operation in order to achieve its goal of crushing the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Israeli officials say the Islamists have several battalions left in Rafah that must be eliminated in order to prevent Hamas from regrouping and attacking again.
Israel also believes that some of the hostages abducted during Hamas’ October 7 massacres in southern Israel are being held in Rafah.
David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
