Israel Prepares for Offensive in Rafah
GAZA — The city of Rafah in Gaza is bracing for a potential offensive as reports indicate Israel’s military is making preparations. Some Palestinians have already fled from Rafah to central Gaza, while others from northern Gaza seek shelter in the region. Satellite images reveal the emergence of two new tent encampments in southern Gaza, signaling a possible escalation of conflict in Rafah, the only city in Gaza that Israel has not yet entered
Well over a million people have sought refuge in Rafah for months, with the United States insisting on a plan to protect them before any military action is taken. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argues that entering Rafah is necessary to defeat Hamas and search for hostages.
The current conflict began when Hamas launched attacks on Israeli communities near Gaza, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 hostages.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign of aerial bombardment and ground operations has claimed the lives of 34,183 individuals, predominantly civilians, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas.
While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have previously occupied northern Gaza, including Gaza City, as well as parts of central and southern Gaza, they have since withdrawn from most areas. However, Israeli airstrikes persist across Gaza, including in Rafah, where recent attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 20 individuals, primarily children.
The satellite images depict newly erected tent encampments west of Khan Younis and near Rafah, constructed within this month. Reports from earlier this month suggested Israel’s acquisition of 40,000 tents to evacuate civilians from Rafah, with each tent capable of accommodating 10 to 12 individuals.
Preparations for the evacuation of civilians from Rafah are reportedly underway, with plans to transfer them to Khan Younis and other designated areas over several weeks. The process is expected to involve Israeli troops entering Rafah in stages, with an estimated duration of about six weeks.
Despite these developments, the United States has expressed concerns over a major military operation in Rafah, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of civilians in the region. The dire conditions in Rafah, characterized by a lack of essential resources like food, water, and medication, further underscore the urgency of addressing the situation.
Renewed fighting in northern Gaza has intensified, with Israeli military forces launching attacks on various locations, including the towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, as well as refugee camps and suburbs. The ongoing conflict has left residents like Um Mohammad, a mother-of-six residing near Zeitoun, fearing for their lives amidst continuous bombings from tanks and planes.
As tensions escalate in Gaza, the situation remains precarious, with civilians caught in the crossfire of a protracted conflict that shows no signs of abating. — BBC