Amid escalating tensions in Gaza, streams of Palestinians have been evacuating eastern Rafah in southern Gaza following an evacuation order by Israeli forces. Civilians were instructed to relocate to the coastal town of Al-Mawasi, raising concerns about a potential ground assault and human rights violations.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned troops in Gaza to prepare for 'intense action' in Rafah as negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and hostage release have hit a standstill.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced an evacuation order ahead of a planned 'limited-scale operation' in eastern Rafah. However, the specifics of the operation remain undisclosed, leaving many Gazans feeling desperate as they have nowhere else to seek refuge.
Over a million displaced Palestinians are currently in Rafah, with many having fled from northern Gaza at the onset of the conflict with Israeli forces.
The impasse in talks between Israel and Hamas reportedly stems from Hamas' demand for a commitment from Israel to end the war as part of any agreement, a demand that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected. The deadlock was further exacerbated by a Hamas attack on an IDF base near the Kerem Shalom border crossing, resulting in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers.
European political figures have expressed strong opposition to Israel's threatened assault, while US President Joe Biden engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu to ensure the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing for humanitarian aid.
Netanyahu affirmed Israel's stance to defend itself, even if isolated internationally, amidst mounting pressure to scale back its military campaign in Gaza.
Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Rights Council, cautioned against the potential for 'mass atrocities' in a ground offensive in Rafah, highlighting the lack of security and adequate accommodations for evacuated Palestinians as a violation of international law.
Furthermore, allies of Israel decried the closure of Al Jazeera news network, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding press freedom during times of crisis.
