Welfare, a Palestinian city in the southern Gaza Strip, has dominated headlines for days. From the offices of world leaders and major international organizations, observers scan the border town with growing concern. Israeli Prime Minister and senior military officials have stated that Rafah could become the next target for Israeli tanks. Bombardments have persisted for more than four months, and the likelihood of a ground operation remains high. If carried out, the invasion could push the conflict to new and deadly heights, prompting urgent diplomacy to avert a broader catastrophe.
Since October 7, Rafah has expanded to cover about 64 square kilometers. The Gaza side has witnessed a population surge, as the town now hosts roughly 1.5 million residents. More people continue to arrive fleeing areas like Khan Younis, where Israeli forces have concentrated their efforts. Each square kilometer can hold tens of thousands of displaced individuals. Many were moved under orders to evacuate to what is described as a south Gaza safe zone. Survivors live under plastic sheets, in vacant lots, on beaches, or along the Egyptian border wall. Others seek shelter in crowded public facilities. Aid workers face overwhelming demand, and refugees contend with hunger, disease, and a collapsing healthcare system. Humanitarian assistance remains scarce as people try to enter Rafah through the Rafah Crossing, a vital lifeline for those seeking survival in Gaza.
2. Israel’s stated objectives
The leadership in Jerusalem has been explicit about a plan to push into Rafah. Authorities describe Rafah as a last stronghold containing the remaining four battalions of armed militants. They argue that neutralizing these forces is essential to dismantle the broader network linked to the Palestinian group. In recent days, orders were issued for troops to prepare for an operation in Rafah, though officials later sought strategic planning to allow for civilian safety and potential evacuation routes. The reported rescue of two Israeli hostages amid ongoing bombardments has strengthened arguments in favor of advancing the ground mission with the aim of freeing captives still held in Gaza.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the decision to move forward faces significant domestic and international scrutiny. The humanitarian impact on civilians and the risk of worsening the crisis have intensified debates about the best path to resolve the conflict while protecting basic rights.
3. International response and diplomacy
Voices from around the world call for restraint and a pause on major military moves. The administration of the United States, a key ally, has signaled growing concern over any large scale military operation in Rafah. The White House spokesperson has warned that such an operation could be disastrous for civilians under current conditions. The United Nations has stressed the severity of the current situation and warned against forced displacement. The UN secretariat has emphasized that mass evacuation would likely breach international law. Leaders from the European Union, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have echoed these concerns. Countries such as Spain and Ireland have taken an active role in urging the European Union to adopt steps that protect human rights and prevent a catastrophe. The broader international community is pressing for measures to ensure humanitarian access and to safeguard civilians while seeking political progress to end the crisis.
4. Warnings of a collapse and a painful memory
Even as calls for evacuation intensify, there is little clear guidance for Palestinians in Rafah on where to seek safety. The current offensive has produced immense casualties and widespread destruction. Large swaths of northern Gaza have been rendered uninhabitable, with ongoing clashes and shortages of essential supplies. Egypt has closed its border and has indicated that it cannot absorb a large influx of refugees at this time. Nearby defense preparations and regional diplomacy reflect the fragile state of the broader peace process. The memory of past displacements remains vivid for many Palestinians, underscoring the human cost of the fighting and the enduring pursuit of a stable and secure future.