The evacuation of displaced Palestinians from the Gaza Strip’s Rafah is not feasible under current conditions, according to the Red Cross. This statement comes as Israel has signaled its intention to invade Rafah, considered the last stronghold of Hamas in southern Gaza. The international community has expressed concern over the potential humanitarian crisis that could result from an invasion, as over a million Palestinians displaced by the war have taken refuge in Rafah. “We don’t see evacuation as possible today,” said Fabrizio Carboni, the Middle East Regional Director for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). “The rumor is that the probability of a major operation in Rafah is increasing. When we see the level of destruction in the middle area (of Gaza) and in the north, it’s not clear to us where people will be moved to… where they can have decent shelter and essential services.” The United Nations has echoed these concerns, warning that an invasion could have “catastrophic humanitarian consequences.” Jan Egeland, the chief of the Norwegian Refugee Council, described Rafah as “the largest displacement camp on earth” and said an invasion would create an “apocalyptic situation.” Despite hinting at an impending invasion of Rafah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not provided details on evacuation plans or destinations. Reports have emerged indicating Israel’s creation of a tent city in Khan Younis to house displaced Palestinians, but these plans have not been officially confirmed. The Israeli military has reportedly planned to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Rafah before the invasion, but it remains unclear where these civilians will be taken. The evacuation process, if it takes place, is expected to be complex and time-consuming, involving coordination with various organizations and international actors.
Red Cross: Evacuation from Gaza’s Rafah ‘Not Possible’ as Israel Signals Invasion
