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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for the potential evacuation of Rafah amidst escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip. The move comes in the wake of widespread international criticism, including from President Biden, over Israel's proposed military intervention in the densely populated city.
Netanyahu's declaration follows mounting pressure on Israel to reconsider its strategy in Gaza, particularly concerning the densely populated southern city of Rafah, which borders Egypt. The Israeli leader emphasized the need to prepare for a possible invasion of Rafah, citing its status as the last major stronghold of Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza.
According to Netanyahu, Israeli forces have been instructed to develop a plan for evacuating Rafah's population, signaling a potentially significant escalation in the conflict. He justified the move by asserting the presence of "four battalions" belonging to Hamas in the city, underscoring Israel's military objectives against the group.
The announcement comes amid a backdrop of intensifying violence and humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah and its environs, fleeing from hostilities in other parts of the territory. The situation has prompted alarm from international observers and human rights organizations, who warn of the dire consequences of further military action in densely populated civilian areas.
President Biden's recent criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza as "over the top" reflects growing international unease over the handling of the conflict. The Biden administration, along with other world leaders, has urged restraint and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
As tensions continue to mount, Netanyahu's announcement underscores the precarious nature of the situation in Gaza, where the specter of a full-scale military confrontation looms large, with potentially devastating consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.
