The Israeli military has issued sweeping evacuation orders across most of Rafah, signalling the possible launch of a major ground operation in the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip. The orders, which affect nearly all of Rafah and its surrounding areas, were given on Monday, directing civilians to relocate to Muwasi, an overcrowded area of makeshift tent camps along Gaza’s coastline. The announcement came amid Eid al-Fitr, a significant Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Renewed conflict following ceasefire collapse
Tensions have escalated since the collapse of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this year. In March, Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza, cutting off food, water, fuel, and medical supplies in an effort to pressure Hamas into modifying truce conditions. The blockade has exacerbated the already dire conditions for Gaza’s 2 million residents, many of whom have been repeatedly displaced throughout the ongoing conflict.
This latest evacuation order indicates that Israel is preparing for a new phase of its military campaign, despite international concerns over the humanitarian impact on the civilian population.
Rafah’s strategic significance
Rafah, which borders Egypt, has been a focal point of Israeli military operations. In May, the Israeli army launched a large-scale offensive, leading to the destruction of vast areas of the city. As part of this campaign, Israeli forces seized control of the strategic border corridor and took over the Rafah crossing, which was Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world not controlled by Israel.
The ceasefire agreement signed in January, under US mediation, initially required Israel to withdraw from the border corridor. However, the Israeli government later refused to honour this commitment, citing security concerns over potential weapons smuggling into Gaza.
Israel’s military objectives
Israeli authorities have maintained that their military operations in Rafah will continue until Hamas releases the remaining hostages captured during the October 7 attack. Of the 59 hostages still in captivity, 24 are believed to be alive.
Additionally, Israel has demanded that Hamas fully disarm and leave Gaza, conditions that were not part of the original ceasefire agreement and have been firmly rejected by Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on Sunday that Israel would take charge of Gaza’s security post-war, aligning with a proposal by former US President Donald Trump to relocate Gaza’s population to other countries. This plan has been universally condemned by Palestinians, who consider it forced displacement. Human rights experts argue that such an action would likely violate international law.
Hamas’s response and stalled negotiations
Hamas has insisted on implementing the original ceasefire deal, which involved the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. While preliminary talks were held in February, no substantial negotiations have taken place to finalise these terms.
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Humanitarian impact of the war
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences. On that day, Hamas-led militants launched an assault on Israeli towns and military bases, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The attackers also took 251 hostages, most of whom were released in earlier ceasefire agreements.
In retaliation, Israel launched a full-scale military offensive in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. However, the figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The UN has reported that 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with many forced to relocate multiple times due to ongoing military operations.
Large parts of Gaza lie in ruins, with entire neighbourhoods flattened by airstrikes and ground offensives. Reconstruction efforts remain uncertain, as essential infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and roads, has been severely damaged or destroyed.
As the situation worsens, international calls for a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian intervention continue to grow. However, with Israeli forces preparing for a deeper offensive into Rafah, the immediate future remains uncertain for Gaza’s civilians.
