The United Nations confirmed Saturday that 800,000 Palestinians have left Rafah, a town in southern Gaza, as Israel commences its attack on Hamas forces there.
Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), revealed the number of evacuees and highlighted the dangers they face.
Once again, nearly half of Rafah’s population, or 800,000 people, are on the road, forced to flee since the Israeli Forces began their military operation on May 6.
In response to evacuation orders demanding people flee to so-called safe zones,…— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) May 18, 2024
The number of evacuees significantly exceeds initial estimates discussed prior to the Israeli operation, which started on May 6, despite U.S. opposition.
The Biden administration had warned that an attack on Rafah could result in civilian casualties.
While the evacuation might reduce the likelihood of civilian casualties, many individuals on the road will lack access to essential services. Not all evacuees have reached “safe” areas like the Al-Muwasi humanitarian zone.
Israel maintains that defeating Hamas in Rafah is vital for their war effort against the terror group, which attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians.
Rafah’s strategic location near the Egyptian border is significant. Reports indicate that Israel has uncovered approximately 50 cross-border tunnels used for smuggling weapons from Egypt into Gaza.
