In a recent development, Israel has called on Palestinians in additional areas of Gaza’s southern city of Rafah to evacuate and relocate to an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating a further escalation of its military plans.
This move comes despite heavy pressure from the US and growing concerns from humanitarian groups and residents.
Israel has ordered residents and displaced people in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza and 11 other neighbourhoods to immediately seek shelter west of Gaza City.
The Israeli military has reported that approximately 300,000 Gazans have moved towards Al-Mawasi so far.
Israeli tanks have captured the main road dividing Rafah’s eastern and western sections, effectively encircling the eastern side, and have caused Washington to hold up the delivery of some military aid.
The war, triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, has resulted in the deaths of around 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and has caused a deep humanitarian crisis.
The Biden administration has expressed concern over Israel’s use of US-supplied weapons, stating that it may have violated international humanitarian law during its Gaza operation.
While the administration stopped short of a definitive assessment, it has criticized Israel’s actions, citing the chaos of the war and the difficulty in verifying specific instances of alleged breaches.
The conflict began seven months ago, with Israel launching a military operation aimed at eliminating Hamas.
Over 1 million displaced people have sought refuge in Rafah, which is now the focus of Israel’s ground attack plans.
The US has expressed alarm over the situation, with the White House stating that it is watching Israeli operations “with concern.”
However, it appears that the current assault is localized around the shuttered Rafah crossing and does not reflect a large-scale invasion of the city.
