Some 300,000 Gazans left Rafah since Monday

The Israeli Army ordered this Saturday (05/11/2024) the evacuation of the civilian population from more areas of eastern Rafah, six days after starting the military operation in that southern Gaza city, as well as from several points in the north of the enclave, where it alleges that Hamas is rebuilding their capabilities. The Army estimates that “about 300,000 Palestinians” left Rafah following the evacuation order issued last Monday.

“Until now, about 300,000 inhabitants have moved to the humanitarian zone of Al Mawasi”, a few kilometers from there, indicated in a statement the Army, which says it is preparing a ground offensive in this city in which 1.4 million inhabitants are concentrated, mostly internally displaced by the conflict that began on October 7 between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas A military statement also issued in Arabic through social networks also warns that it is prohibited to approach the security fence that surrounds the enclave, which implies. “endangering his life,” since the soldiers have orders to shoot anyone who approaches.

The new evacuation order in Rafah affects the Rafah and Shabura camps, as well as the neighborhoods of Adari and Geneina, which have also been asked to go to the “humanitarian area” of Al Mawasi, a coastal area already saturated with displaced people in makeshift tents, without running water or sanitation. In the north, Israel has also ordered the departure of residents and displaced people from several neighborhoods and towns between Jabalia and Beit Lahia, which it designated as a “dangerous combat zone” and asked them to move to the west of Gaza City.

“Everywhere you look, this morning in western Rafah, the families are packing their bags. The streets are significantly emptier,” said Louise Wateridge, Gaza spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency UNRWA, who estimates that some 150,000 people have already fled the city, not only in the east where it has been ordered evacuation since the new orders affect more central neighborhoods.

Palestinian medical sources reported baerial bombardments and artillery both in Rafah, in the south; as in the north, specifically in Beit Lahia and the Zeitun neighborhood, in Gaza City, where Israel has resumed military operations in the face of the return of Hamas. In addition, 24 dead arrived at the Martyrs of Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al Balah due to the bombings in the center of the Strip.

Despite strong American pressure and alarm expressed by residents and humanitarian groups, Israel has said it will proceed with an incursion into Rafah, where more than a million displaced people have sought refuge during the seven months of war.