Israeli Airstrikes Intensify in Gaza, Rafah Evacuation Order Expanded Amid Humanitarian Concerns

Israeli Strikes Intensify in Gaza, Rafah Evacuation Order Expanded

The Israeli military continued its offensive in Gaza on Saturday, with airstrikes hitting multiple locations across the coastal territory. The strikes came as Israel expanded an evacuation order in Rafah, a densely populated city where the UN has warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if a full-scale invasion takes place.

Witnesses and medical personnel reported strikes across Gaza, including central Gaza where at least 21 people were killed and taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Images showed bodies covered in white sheets lying in the hospital courtyard, some with dust-covered hands protruding from body bags.

In Rafah, witnesses reported intense air strikes near the border with Egypt, with smoke rising over the city. The Israeli military confirmed "operational activity" at the Rafah crossing, where they claimed to have engaged with "armed terrorists" and discovered "numerous underground tunnel shafts."

The evacuation order in Rafah, initially issued for eastern parts of the city, was expanded to include new areas in the center and west. The military justified the order by citing "Hamas terrorist activities" in those areas.

The Israeli offensive, which began in response to a Hamas attack on October 7th, has resulted in the deaths of over 1,170 people in Gaza, mostly civilians. Israel's retaliatory strikes have also killed at least 34,971 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has warned that Gaza risks an "epic humanitarian disaster" if Israel launches a full-scale ground operation in Rafah. The Israeli military claims to have reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing near Rafah, but aid agencies say getting assistance through the area remains extremely difficult.

As the situation in Rafah intensifies, over 300,000 people have fled the city. Many residents are unsure where to go, as they have already been displaced from other parts of Gaza. The evacuation order directs residents to the "humanitarian zone" of Al-Mawasi, which has limited access to clean water, sanitation, and other essential services.

The international community has expressed concern over the situation in Rafah, with the EU chief, Charles Michel, calling the evacuation order to "unsafe zones" unacceptable. The UN General Assembly has also voted to grant the Palestinians additional rights in the global body and backed their drive for full membership.