After weeks of delays, negotiations, and distractions, Israel appears to be gearing up for its ground invasion in southern Gaza. Dozens of Israeli tanks and armoured vehicles have been seen near Rafah, Gaza’s last 'safe zone'.

Rafah

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

Middle East Conflict

Israel appears to be preparing for a ground invasion in southern Gaza, particularly targeting Rafah, the area considered Gaza’s last 'safe zone'. Following weeks of anticipation, marked by delays, negotiations, and distractions, the mobilization of Israeli military forces, including tanks and armored vehicles near Rafah, has become evident. This development signals a significant escalation in the conflict and underlines the complex situation in the region, affecting thousands of local residents.

Among those affected is Mahmoud, who has been displaced multiple times, with the impending Israeli offensive forcing him and his family to relocate again. Mahmoud, like many others, seeks safety for his family away from the conflict zones, moving to Deir al-Bala with the hope of finding refuge. The anticipation of a ground invasion has sown fear among Gaza's population, leading to widespread uncertainty and anxiety.

Israel has announced plans to evacuate civilians from Rafah, a statement met with skepticism by the local population. Gazans recount experiences of intimidation and express their fear of ongoing violence. Despite this, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, argues that the offensive is crucial for eliminating Hamas from the region. The intensification of Israeli airstrikes in Rafah is portrayed as part of the strategy to target Hamas, which Israel identifies as the last stronghold for the militant group in Gaza.

The potential invasion poses a significant threat to humanitarian efforts in the area. Rafah has been a critical entry point for aid into the Gaza Strip, and any military action could severely disrupt the delivery of much-needed assistance. Aid workers warn of dire consequences, including a paralysis of aid operations, a potential bloodbath, and the resurgence of famine. Moreover, the region is grappling with a shortage of fuel necessary for cooking, further compounding the hardships faced by the residents.

The humanitarian situation is further exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, with reports from the UN indicating that at least two children have died due to unusual heat. With temperatures expected to rise further as summer approaches, concerns over the health and well-being of the population are mounting.



Israel 'gearing up' for Rafah ground offensive

This is Mahmoud's fourth home in nearly seven months. News of an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah has forced him, along with thousands of other Palestinians, to relocate once again. I brought my daughters here to Deir al-Bala. We have been through a lot, so I hope we will finally be safe here. Israel says it's planning to evacuate civilians from Rafah, but Gazans aren't convinced. They threatened us and threw leaflets at us. We're living in fear. Wherever we go there's fear. In its most telling sign yet, Israeli tanks have begun amassing nearby. Despite widespread international opposition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists a push into Rafah is necessary for his plan to eliminate Hamas. Israeli airstrikes have been intensifying in the city, which the IDF claims is the last stronghold for Hamas in Gaza. For families, though, Rafah has been their last refuge. Two-thirds of the population are estimated to be sheltering here, and the overwhelming majority of aid enters the Gaza Strip through two crossings near the southern town. If there is an invasion, aid work will be paralysed in an instant, there will be a bloodbath and people will start to have famine again. Fuel desperately needed for cooking is in short supply. Another threat is looming. At least two children have died from extreme heat, unusual at this time of year, according to the UN. That number, as well as temperatures, expected to rise as summer approaches.

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