Attack on Rafah would have devastating consequences: UNRWA

U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians expressed grave concern over the potential for increased civilian casualties and suffering in Rafah due to a possible Israeli offensive.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, UNRWA emphasized that such an offensive could have devastating consequences for the 1.4 million people in the region.

Despite the tense situation, UNRWA reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining a presence in Rafah for as long as possible.

UNRWA also announced that its staff will not leave Rafah and will continue its relief activities in the area as long as possible.

The Israeli military issued urgent evacuation orders on Monday morning to Palestinian residents and displaced individuals in several areas of eastern Rafah, urging them to relocate immediately to the town of Mawasi.

According to Army Radio, the decision to evacuate residents from eastern Rafah was made late Sunday during a cabinet session. It said that around 100,000 civilians believed to be present in the area are set to be evacuated.

Rafah is home to 1.4 million displaced Palestinians who have taken refuge from the war that started after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas incursion that claimed around 1,200 lives.

Since then, the Israeli onslaught has killed more than 34,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, besides causing a humanitarian catastrophe.

Nearly seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins, with 85% of the enclave’s population pushed into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine, according to the U.N.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January said it is "plausible" that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and ordered Tel Aviv to stop such acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians there.

Source: AA