“Doctor Pleads for Protection as Forced Evacuation Order Widens in Rafah”

The Israeli military has expanded its offensive in the southernmost corner of the Gaza Strip, leading to the forced evacuation of more areas in eastern and central Rafah. This has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinians being displaced once again.

According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), an estimated 150,000 Palestinians, many of whom have been displaced multiple times, have now fled Rafah. However, Israel puts that figure at about 300,000.

The evacuation orders have now been widened to include the Kuwait Specialty Hospital in Rafah city, where countless patients and injured individuals are being treated. Saheb al-Hams, the hospital director, has pleaded for immediate international protection for the facility as the situation becomes increasingly dire.

As the Israeli army continues its offensive, humanitarian groups and displaced Palestinians have raised concerns about the living conditions in the areas designated as “safe humanitarian zones.” Tens of thousands of people are crammed into these areas, facing severe food and water shortages, as well as periodic bombardments.

Displaced residents have described the situation as very dangerous, with constant artillery shelling and rocket attacks making it difficult for them to sleep at night. The lack of supplies and resources for humanitarian workers to assist the newly displaced population has further exacerbated the crisis.

The Israeli army claims to be communicating the evacuation orders through various means, including leaflets, mobile text messages, phone calls, and broadcasts in Arabic. However, it remains unclear how many people have received these orders.

The military initially ordered the evacuation of eastern Rafah on Monday before launching a ground assault in the city. With tanks now capturing the main road dividing Rafah’s eastern and western sections, the situation in the region remains tense and volatile.

The Gaza Ministry of Health has reported a significant number of casualties, with thousands killed and wounded in Israeli attacks since October 7. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s attacks stands at 1,139, with many still held captive.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, the plea for international protection and assistance for the vulnerable population in Rafah grows louder. The need for immediate humanitarian aid and a peaceful resolution to the crisis is more pressing than ever.