Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to prepare for the “evacuation of the population” from Rafah, as stated by his office on Friday, 8 February. This directive precedes the expected ground operation in the southern Gaza city. Rafah is currently home to over 1.3 million individuals, with the majority having been displaced from various other areas of Gaza, according to the United Nations. Netanyahu announced on Thursday, 7 February, that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would soon enter Rafah, described as Hamas’s final stronghold. Many Palestinians have fled to Rafah seeking shelter as the IDF’s operations progressed southward through Gaza. However, where they can go next remains uncertain as the city’s border with Egypt has been closed for several months. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that it’s not feasible to both eradicate Hamas and allow “four Hamas battalions in Rafah” to remain. “Therefore,” the statement read, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the IDF and the security establishment to submit to the Cabinet a combined plan for evacuating the population and destroying the battalions.” Recently, Rafah has seen a significant influx of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge….
Netanyahu Orders the Evacuation of Civilians in Rafah Ahead of Invasion
February 9, 2024
