- The Israeli army ordered the evacuation of the southern Gaza city of Rafah
- More than one million Palestinians taking refuge in Rafah risk their lives
- Israel considered Rafah to be the last major stronghold of Hamas after a seven-month war
The Israeli army carried out airstrikes on Rafah on Monday. This has been confirmed by the people of Rafah but there has been no comment from Israel. Ceasefire talks to secure the release of the hostages have been disrupted as a result of Israeli army airstrikes. Before the attack, the Israeli army ordered thousands of Palestinians to evacuate the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This notification led to indications that the Israeli army may attack here soon.
A major point of contention between Israel and Hamas concerns the duration of the ceasefire. Hamas demands that Israel stop the war, while Israel insists on continuing the war until Hamas surrenders. Israel has called Rafah the last major stronghold of Hamas after a seven-month war.
One lakh people ordered to evacuate
Israeli army spokesman Lieut. Colonel Nawad Shoshani said about one lakh people are being ordered by Israel to move to nearby Muwasi. He said Israel was preparing for a limited-area campaign and would not say the attack was the start of a wider offensive on the city.
Risk of impact on one million Palestinians
Israel has published a map of the exit zone. Information is being given about it by dropping leaflets from the sky, through text messages and over the radio. The Israeli army said on X that it will act with greater force against the terrorists. Israel’s plan to invade Rafah has raised world concerns. Because, more than 10 million Palestinian citizens sheltering there could be harmed.
