The Israeli army has issued an evacuation order for specific neighborhoods in Rafah, urging Palestinians to temporarily leave the area ahead of a planned offensive in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. According to a report by The Times of Israel, the IDF has published a map outlining the areas included in the evacuation order and has instructed residents to evacuate immediately to the expanded humanitarian area of Al-Mawasi.
The evacuation order currently applies to certain eastern neighborhoods of Rafah only and not the entire city in southern Gaza. Spokesperson Avichay Adraee has urged residents in neighborhoods such as Al-Salam, Al-Jeneina, Tabet Ziraa, and Al-Byouk to evacuate immediately to ensure their safety during the military operation. The humanitarian zone in the Al-Mawasi and Khan Younis areas includes field hospitals and tent cities for displaced individuals.
The IDF has emphasized that this is a “gradual progression” based on the current situation, calling on residents under Hamas control to follow their instructions for their safety. Residents are urged to take heed of this advice and evacuate promptly to designated humanitarian areas to ensure their well-being during the military operation.
The Times of Israel reports that this evacuation order is part of a larger plan by Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) for an offensive in the region. As such, it is important for all residents living in these neighborhoods to follow these instructions carefully and prioritize their safety during this time.
Overall, while this may be a difficult decision for some Palestinians living in these neighborhoods, it is essential that they comply with these instructions from Israel’s Defense Forces for their own safety during this planned offensive.