26-4-2024 (GAZA) Israel has escalated its airstrikes on Rafah overnight following its announcement of plans to evacuate civilians from the southern Gazan city and launch a comprehensive assault, despite warnings from allies about the potential for mass casualties.
Reports from medics in the besieged Palestinian enclave indicate that Rafah was targeted by five Israeli airstrikes early on April 25, striking at least three residential buildings and resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals, including a local journalist.
Expressing concerns about the situation in Rafah, Ibrahim Khraishi, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, conveyed to Reuters, “We are afraid of what will happen in Rafah. The level of alert is very high.”
Residents attempting to flee face limited options due to restrictions on movement within Gaza. The Gaza Strip, with dimensions of approximately 40km in length and between 5km to 12km in width, stands as one of the world’s most densely populated areas.
As the conflict enters its seventh month, Israeli forces have resumed bombardment not only in Rafah but also in northern and central areas of the enclave, as well as east of Khan Younis in the south. The stated objective of Israel’s offensive is to dismantle Hamas, although the methodology for achieving this remains uncertain.
Amid these developments, a United Nations team visiting a site intended for maritime aid operations found themselves taking cover in a bunker after the area came under attack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Israel’s intentions were underscored by statements from government spokesperson David Mencer, who indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war Cabinet was convening to discuss strategies for neutralizing remaining Hamas strongholds in Rafah and elsewhere. However, details regarding the timing and nature of potential ground operations remain undisclosed.
The toll of the conflict on Gaza’s civilian population continues to mount, with Gaza health authorities reporting at least 34,305 Palestinian casualties. The offensive has resulted in widespread destruction, displacement, and severe shortages of essential resources such as food, water, and medical care.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Territories, described the dire conditions witnessed during her visits to Jordan and Egypt. She highlighted the increasing prevalence of patients suffering from malnutrition, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
The current escalation stems from Israeli retaliation for an October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages according to Israeli accounts. Hamas, backed by Iran, remains committed to resisting Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
With Israeli warnings intensifying regarding an imminent invasion of Rafah, civilians have sought refuge in nearby areas such as al-Mawasi coastal region, though uncertainty prevails over the safety of any location within Gaza. Mohammad Nasser, a displaced resident, likened the situation to a game of cat and mouse, expressing skepticism about prospects for improvement.
Observations by the Norwegian Refugee Council suggest a decrease in Rafah’s population, with expectations of an Israeli offensive after the conclusion of the Jewish Passover holiday on April 30.
In preparation for potential civilian evacuations, Israel has acquired tens of thousands of tents capable of accommodating multiple individuals each. Satellite imagery reveals the emergence of significant makeshift settlements in the vicinity of Rafah, underscoring the magnitude of displacement caused by the conflict.
Meanwhile, allegations of war crimes have surfaced, with a Palestinian civil defence team urging the United Nations to investigate mass graves discovered at a Gaza hospital following the departure of Israeli forces. Israeli authorities refute claims of their involvement in the burial of bodies.
In the northern regions of Gaza, Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and Zeitoun continue to face relentless Israeli bombardment, amid reports of resistance from Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants.
Additionally, disruptions to internet services in central and southern Gaza have hampered relief efforts, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Tragically, an aid worker involved in Belgium’s development efforts in Gaza lost their life in an Israeli airstrike, prompting diplomatic action from the Belgian government.
