Israel Prepares for Major Ground Operation in Rafah as Hamas Stronghold Remains

With Hamas maintaining a last stronghold in Rafah, Israel is preparing to launch a significant ground operation in the city, where approximately 1.5 million Palestinians have sought shelter. As international efforts to broker a cease-fire have failed, tensions continue to escalate.

Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing to launch a major ground operation in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza that serves as the last remaining significant stronghold for Hamas. The Israeli army has ordered tens of thousands of Palestinian residents to evacuate the area, signaling the imminent commencement of the operation.

The IDF has described Rafah as a strategic location for Hamas, and its leaders have repeatedly emphasized the necessity of clearing the city to neutralize the militant group. The operation is expected to be a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has already lasted for seven months.

The IDF has ordered approximately 100,000 Palestinian residents of Rafah to evacuate to a designated humanitarian zone called Muwasi. The evacuation area has been communicated via air-dropped leaflets, text messages, and radio broadcasts to ensure the safety of civilians.

Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an army spokesman, emphasized the urgency of the evacuation. He stated that anyone remaining in proximity to militant organizations risked endangering themselves and their families. Israel has expanded humanitarian aid in Muwasi, including field hospitals, tents, and food supplies.

The potential ground operation follows the failure of international mediators, including the CIA, to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, justified the operation by citing a deadly rocket attack from Rafah that killed four Israeli soldiers earlier this week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to carry out a military operation in Rafah, claiming that Hamas maintains a stronghold there. The IDF has warned that it will act with "extreme force" against Hamas terrorists and urged civilians to evacuate for their safety.

The Biden administration has reportedly placed a hold on a shipment of U.S.-manufactured ammunition to Israel, marking the first such suspension since the deadly Hamas terror attack in October 2023. The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, but Israeli officials have expressed concern.

The potential ground operation has raised concerns among international organizations, including human rights groups. The Biden administration has accused the Israeli military of human rights violations in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Approximately half of Gaza's population, or 1.5 million Palestinians, have sought shelter in Rafah due to the ongoing conflict. The evacuation orders have caused significant disruption and fear among the city's residents.

Organizations such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) are providing assistance to Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict. However, the evacuation process has been complicated by ongoing hostilities and the need to ensure the safety of those leaving Rafah.

As the situation in Gaza remains tense, Israel's preparation for a major ground operation in Rafah raises concerns about further escalation and humanitarian implications. International efforts to broker a cease-fire have so far been unsuccessful, and the conflict continues to take a heavy toll on both the Israeli and Palestinian populations.