CAIRO. Israeli military authorities have issued evacuation orders for Palestinians residing in more areas of Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, urging them to relocate to what they term an expanded humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi. This move signals a potential escalation in the military’s plans for a ground assault on Rafah.
In a communication posted on social media platform X, a military spokesperson also called upon residents and displaced individuals in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, as well as 11 other neighborhoods within the enclave, to immediately relocate to areas west of Gaza City.
The Palestinian health ministry has reported at least 37 casualties, including 24 from central Gaza, as a result of overnight airstrikes across the territory, notably in Rafah. Khitam Al-Khatib, who lost approximately 10 relatives in an airstrike on a family residence earlier on Saturday, expressed skepticism about the safety of designated areas, stating, “There is no safe place in Gaza.”
Al-Zawayda, a small town in central Gaza, has become a refuge for thousands of displaced individuals from across the enclave. The Israeli military confirmed airstrikes on numerous targets throughout the Strip in the past day, claiming the elimination of fighters in the Zeitoun area.
Tragically, a single Israeli airstrike resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals from the same family in Beit Lahiya town in northern Gaza, according to medical personnel.
In Rafah, residents voiced concerns over the expanded evacuation orders, indicating an imminent expansion of Israel’s ground offensive in the city. Khaled, a resident of the Shaboura neighborhood, described the situation as dire, with people fleeing their homes in panic.
Despite international pressure and concerns raised by humanitarian groups, Israel remains steadfast in its intention to proceed with an incursion into Rafah, where over a million displaced individuals have sought refuge during the prolonged conflict.
Approximately 300,000 Gazans have reportedly moved towards Al-Mawasi, according to estimates from the Israeli military. The conflict, initiated by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel several months ago, has resulted in significant casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As ceasefire negotiations falter, with Hamas accusing Israel of rejecting previously accepted terms, tensions remain high. The Palestinian militant group has suggested a review of its negotiation policy but has not provided further details.
In the midst of funerals for loved ones in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, residents mourned the loss of relatives and expressed frustration over the ongoing violence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces mounting pressure, including criticism from the United States over the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in the conflict.
While the Biden administration has stopped short of definitive condemnation, it has raised concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Despite these challenges, the conflict shows no signs of abating, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire and humanitarian efforts hampered by continued violence.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
