The Israeli army has begun asking Palestinians to evacuate the eastern neighborhoods of Rafah, those close to the Israeli border, ahead of a planned offensive in this area of the southern Gaza Strip, the Times of Israel reports.
Civilians are called to move to an extended humanitarian zone in al-Mawasi and Khan Younis areas.
The IDF began dropping leaflets in East Rafah, texting and phoning Palestinians with instructions on areas to be evacuated and routes to take to reach a designated humanitarian zone.
The evacuation order currently only applies to some eastern neighborhoods of Rafah, and not the entire southern Gaza city.
The IDF publishes a map showing the areas.
In a statement, the army says that “in accordance with the approval of the political echelon, the IDF requests the population, which is under the control of Hamas, to temporarily evacuate from the eastern neighborhoods of Rafah city to the extended humanitarian zone.”
“This matter will progress gradually, subject to an ongoing assessment of the situation,” the document said.
The expanded humanitarian zone in the al-Mawasi and Khan Younis areas includes field hospitals and tent camps for displaced Palestinians, with the IDF stating that “there has been a wave of humanitarian aid entering Gaza recently.”
The Kerem Shalom crossing with the southern Gaza Strip remains closed following yesterday’s deadly Hamas rocket attack on troops in the area, but could be opened following a reassessment of the situation.
The army says it will continue to try to keep the delivery of humanitarian aid at the same level despite the closure of the crossing. Other crossings will remain open as construction work continues on the American floating seawall in central Gaza.
“The IDF will continue to pursue Hamas throughout Gaza until all the hostages they hold captive return home,” it added.
Tags: MAP Israeli army asks Palestinians evacuate east Rafah ahead planned offensive IDF flyers messages phone calls
