JERUSALEM: The Israeli army on Monday ordered tens of thousands of people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah to begin evacuating, signaling that a long-promised ground attack could be imminent.
The military issued an “urgent appeal” ordering residents and displaced Palestinians in Al Salam, Al Geneina, Tabet Ziraa and Al Byouk districts to “immediately evacuate” and head towards Al Mawasi.
The announcement complicated last-ditch efforts by international mediators, including the director of the CIA, to advisor a cease-fire. Hamas and Qatar, a key negotiator, have warned that an invasion of Rafah could derail the talks.
Israel has described Rafah as the last significant Hamas stronghold after seven months of war, and its leaders have repeatedly said they need to carry out a ground invasion to defeat the Islamic militant group.
The move comes a day after Hamas militants carried out a deadly rocket attack from the area that killed three Israeli soldiers.
Israel’s army said Monday on the social platform X it would act with “extreme force” against militants and urged the population to evacuate immediately for their safety.
Israel’s plan to invade Rafah has raised global alarm because of the potential for harm to more than a million Palestinian civilians sheltering there.
