RAFAH: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on Thursday that around 80,000 Palestinian people had fled Rafah in the three days since Israel intensified military operations in the south Gaza city.
UNRWA has reported a mass exodus of Palestinians from Rafah. The exodus, which occurred over a three-day period starting on May 6th, has left the city largely deserted as families seek refuge elsewhere.
In a statement released on X, formerly Twitter, UNRWA highlighted the dire situation faced by displaced families, describing the toll as unbearable and emphasizing the lack of safety in the region. Reports from the ground indicate that strikes have targeted various parts of Rafah. Israeli escalation has exacerbated the already precarious conditions for Rafah’s 1.4 million residents.
The escalation in violence comes amidst warnings from global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, regarding the civilian impact of Israel’s military operations. President Biden issued a stark ultimatum, vowing to halt certain weapons supplies to Israel should a full-scale offensive into Rafah proceed. In an interview with CNN, Biden emphasized his stance, stating, “If they go into Rafah, I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used… to deal with the cities.”
Despite international objections, Israel has pressed forward with its military campaign, deploying tanks and conducting targeted raids in eastern Rafah. Witnesses on the ground have reported continuous airstrikes and shelling, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Tarek Bahlul, a resident of Rafah, described the harrowing situation on the streets, stating, “Every minute you hear a rocket, and you don’t know where it will land.”
