Israel’s military has urged Palestinian residents and displaced individuals to evacuate eastern neighbourhoods of Rafah and relocate to what it claims is an “expanded humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) explained that the evacuation calls were being disseminated through “announcements, text messages, phone calls, and media broadcasts in Arabic”. Additionally, Israel’s military vowed on social media to respond with “extreme force” against militants.
The IDF stated that the operation was of “limited scope” and estimated that approximately 100,000 people would need to be relocated.
The president of the European Commission Josep Borrell Fontelles has come out strongly against the planned invasion by Isreal.
Israel’s evacuation orders to civilians in Rafah portend the worst: more war and famine. It is unacceptable. Israel must renounce to a ground offensive and implement UNSCR 2728. The EU, with the International Community, can and must act to prevent such scenario.
