welfare evacuation
In the Gaza Strip, reports indicate ongoing military activity as forces press operations in multiple zones, including Khan Younis in the south and areas to the north and center. The focus includes preparations for a potential expansion of operations toward Rafah, a city that has hosted about 1.3 million residents and seen large numbers displaced due to recent strikes.
Military statements describe continued intense activity in Khan Younis, as troops pursue objectives described as eliminating threats, locating weapons, and degrading militant infrastructure. The updates emphasize targeted actions against terrorist cells, with control of weaponry and explosive devices reported during operations in the western parts of Khan Younis, including the seizure of rifles, grenades, RPGs, vests, and other materials.
During recent days, Israeli forces remained under siege in parts of the city center as arrests were carried out near major medical facilities. Clashes in the vicinity of hospitals have complicated relief efforts for injured civilians and hindered access for those sheltering inside evacuee centers.
welfare evacuation
Meanwhile, the government has directed that plans be studied for civilian evacuation ahead of any potential ground operation. Rafah is widely viewed as a last refuge for many Gazans displaced from other areas, with hundreds of thousands calling it home before the current crisis. The population of the city affected by the plan is estimated at around 280,000.
International reactions have included criticism from allies about the pacing and scope of any proposed evacuation. U.S. officials indicated concerns about the lack of clear planning and the potential humanitarian impact of a Rafah operation. Officials stressed that Rafah remains a critical entry point for aid, and emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilian access to humanitarian relief as the situation evolves.Officials also noted the sensitivity of the situation at the border and the need to balance security with humanitarian concerns.
German foreign policy leadership underscored the potential for a humanitarian disaster if the border city is attacked, urging restraint while recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. The broader message highlighted the difficulty for Gazans seeking refuge in neighboring areas and the obligation to minimize civilian harm while addressing security threats.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign affairs ministry reiterated strong condemnation of any move to invade Rafah without broad international agreement, labeling the decision as a threat to hundreds of thousands of civilians. The United Nations called for urgent consideration of civilian protections amid the ongoing crisis and urged adherence to international humanitarian law.
Hamas’ statement
Hamas warned that any ground assault on Rafah would bring severe consequences, describing such a move as a disaster that could trigger widespread casualties. The group asserted responsibility for defending Gaza and cautioned that a major invasion would multiply suffering for civilians. Hamas also placed accountability on the United States, the international community, and the Israeli leadership for any resulting harm, reflecting the organization’s stance after more than a decade of governance in Gaza.
Health authorities in Gaza reported thousands of fatalities and tens of thousands of injuries, with a large number of bodies reportedly buried beneath rubble in the course of the conflict that has persisted for many months. The toll on medical facilities and humanitarian workers has been a central concern for international observers, who stress the need for safe corridors and sustained aid to affected populations. These figures illustrate the severe humanitarian impact of the current hostilities on civilians across the Strip.