Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
Israel Orders Rafah Evacuation Amid Concerns of Major Ground Operation
The Israeli military has directed widespread evacuation orders encompassing a significant portion of Rafah, a southern city within the Gaza Strip. This directive suggests a potential imminent large-scale ground operation in the area, according to reports from the Associated Press.
Earlier in March, Israel concluded its ceasefire agreement with Hamas and resumed its aerial and ground offensive. Preceding this, at the start of March, Israel halted all deliveries of essential goods, including food, fuel, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid, to the approximately two million Palestinians residing in the territory. This action was reportedly taken to pressure Hamas into accepting revisions to the truce terms.
The recent evacuation notices seem to apply to almost the entire city and its adjacent areas. Palestinians have been instructed by the military to relocate to Muwasi, an area characterized by sprawling, impoverished tent encampments along the coastline. These orders coincide with Eid al-Fitr, a traditionally joyous Muslim festival that marks the conclusion of the Ramadan fasting period.
Israel has declared its commitment to intensifying military actions until Hamas releases the remaining 59 captives it is holding – of whom 24 are presumed to be alive.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, stated on Sunday that Israel would assume control of security in Gaza post-war. He also indicated intentions to implement a proposition from US President Donald Trump to relocate Gaza’s population to other countries through what he termed “voluntary emigration”.
This proposal has encountered universal condemnation from Palestinians, who perceive it as a forced displacement from their ancestral lands. Human rights experts have also voiced concerns, suggesting it could contravene international law, with some describing it as potential “ethnic cleansing”.
Key Developments in the Middle East Crisis
The Israeli military has issued extensive evacuation orders affecting a vast majority of Rafah, a southern city in the Gaza Strip, commencing Monday morning.
Earlier this month, Israel terminated a ceasefire and reignited its air and ground combat operations against Hamas.
According to Associated Press reports, Israel initiated a significant operation in Rafah near the Egyptian border in May of last year, resulting in widespread destruction.
Israeli forces have since occupied a strategic buffer zone along the frontier and have maintained their presence despite ceasefire agreements mandating withdrawal, citing the necessity to prevent the smuggling of armaments.
Additional Updates:
-
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has selected Eli Sharvit, a former navy commander, to lead the domestic security agency. This appointment was announced by his office on Monday, notwithstanding a Supreme Court order freezing the dismissal of the current Shin Bet director, Ronen Bar.
-
Suspected US airstrikes targeted areas surrounding Sanaa, Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital, overnight. Houthi sources, backed by Iran, reported at least one fatality. The full extent of the damage and potential casualties remains unclear. These strikes follow a series of intense airstrikes earlier on Friday.
-
Iran has formally responded to a letter from former US President Donald Trump addressed to its Supreme Leader. Trump’s letter aimed to initiate discussions regarding Iran’s rapidly progressing nuclear program. Iran has declined the proposition of direct negotiations, but has left open the possibility of indirect talks with Washington. However, such discussions have remained stagnant since the US, under President Trump, unilaterally withdrew from the international nuclear agreement with Tehran in 2018.