Israel prepares for massive Rafah evacuations amid rising tensions

Israel has obtained tens of thousands of tents for Palestinian civilians in preparation for evacuations from Rafah ahead of an anticipated assault on the city, perceived as the last stronghold of Hamas in Gaza. The population of Rafah has surged due to over a million Palestinians fleeing the ongoing Israeli offensive.

Concerns over the fate of these refugees have been raised by Western powers and Egypt, which has ruled out receiving them in the Sinai region. After negotiations with the United States regarding civilian protection measures, Israel’s Defence Ministry has purchased 40,000 tents for relocated Palestinians from Rafah.

While specific battle plans are not disclosed, Israeli military readiness signals an impending move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet is expected to authorize civilian evacuations, likely lasting around a month, as the initial phase of the Rafah operation.

“Hamas was hit hard in the northern sector. It was also hit hard in the centre of the Strip. And soon it will be hit hard in Rafah, too,” Brigadier-General Itzik Cohen, who leads the 162nd Division in Gaza, spoke to Kan public TV on Tuesday.

Israel asserts that taking control of Rafah is crucial for victory in the Gaza conflict, targeting Hamas combat units and recovering hostages held there. Hamas has not commented on its military deployments, while asserting that Israel’s campaign has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties.

The situation has left displaced individuals in Rafah facing grim prospects, with concerns about safety and limited options for relocation amid escalating tensions in the region. Analysts anticipate an assault on Rafah soon, driven by political pressures and military objectives, but warn of potential humanitarian consequences and casualties in such an operation.