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The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) revealed that approximately 360,000 individuals have left the Palestinian city of Rafah due to a call for evacuation.
This call came before an expected major attack by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) in the ongoing conflict against Hamas in Gaza.
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According to the UN agency, people have been leaving the southern city of Gaza in large numbers over the past week, with at least 60,000 fleeing since Sunday alone.
In addition, bombardments and evacuation orders in the northern parts of Gaza have caused more families to be displaced and fearful. Many are left with nowhere to go, and there’s a sense of insecurity without a ceasefire in place.
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s Commissioner General, emphasized that most residents of Gaza have had to move approximately once a month on average to escape Israeli airstrikes. He also stressed that there are no true “safe zones” in Gaza, despite claims to the contrary.
A few days ago, Israel captured the Rafah crossing in eastern Rafah, which it considers a strategic route for defeating Hamas. This move comes despite warnings from US officials about the potential for civilian casualties in Rafah.
It’s estimated that around 1.5 million people, many of whom fled other parts of Gaza to seek refuge in Rafah, are now facing the harsh reality of yet another displacement.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza began when Palestinian militants initiated a cross-border attack in Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. The ongoing offensive in Gaza has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, according to reports from the Hamas-controlled health Ministry.
