Israel's Move to Evacuate Eastern Rafah Signals Potential Ground Operation
With negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages currently deadlocked, the possibility of a ground operation in Rafah appears increasingly imminent.
With negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages currently deadlocked, the possibility of a ground operation in Rafah appears increasingly imminent.
This morning the IDF is urging residents of Eastern Rafah to proceed towards an expanded humanitarian zone. With a notable increase in humanitarian assistance entering Gaza, the IDF has extended the humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi to accommodate the heightened influx of aid. This enlarged zone now encompasses field hospitals, tents, and augmented provisions of essential items such as food, water, medication, and additional supplies.
Subject to governmental approval, an ongoing evaluation of the situation will inform the gradual relocation of civilians to the designated humanitarian zone. Notifications prompting temporary relocation to the humanitarian area will be disseminated via posters, SMS messages, phone calls, and Arabic media broadcasts.
Beside the negotiation deadlock, yesterday an escalation in the Rafah zone, demonstrate the need for an IDF operation.
The firing of approximately 10 projectiles occurred on Sunday from the vicinity near the Rafah Crossing toward the Kerem Shalom area, resulting in 3 killed israeli soldiers and numerous junjured . Subsequently, Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets targeted the launcher responsible for the projectiles and a military structure nearby. These launches, orchestrated by Hamas near the Rafah Crossing, situated roughly 350 meters from civilian shelters, illustrate the terrorist organization's systematic exploitation of humanitarian facilities and spaces, as well as their ongoing use of the Gazan civilian population as human shields.
Credit: IDF
Additionally, the IDF and ISA conducted a targeted strike on a Hamas command and control center situated within a UNRWA complex in central Gaza. This center was utilized as a staging area for numerous attacks against IDF troops and humanitarian missions.
Based on precise intelligence from the IDF and ISA, IAF fighter jets targeted this Hamas command and control hub in central Gaza, a vital component of terrorist infrastructure. The operation was meticulously planned and executed with precision munitions to minimize civilian casualties.
Over recent weeks, this command center orchestrated multiple attacks on IDF forces in Gaza's central corridor. Additionally, it was involved in assaults on humanitarian endeavors aimed at aiding Gazan civilians.
Moreover, Hamas utilized this facility to supply weapons to numerous terrorists, including those operating in underground tunnels. By locating the command center near an active UNRWA site, Hamas endangered civilians seeking refuge there.
This action underscores Hamas' pattern of using civilian populations and institutions as shields for their terrorist activities against Israel. Following the strike, the Hamas command and control center within the UNRWA complex has been rendered inoperative.
