Jerusalem: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to devise a plan for evacuating the population from Rafah, his office announced on Friday. This directive comes ahead of a potential ground offensive in the area, according to reports.

Rafah, situated in southern Gaza, currently accommodates over 1.3 million people, the majority of whom are displaced individuals from other parts of Gaza, as per the United Nations. Netanyahu declared on Thursday that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) would imminently enter Rafah, described as Hamas's last stronghold. As the IDF's operations extend further south into Gaza, many Palestinians have fled the territory, seeking refuge in Rafah. However, their next destination remains uncertain, as the border with Egypt to the south has been closed for months.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated in its announcement that leaving "four Hamas battalions in Rafah" would make it impossible to eradicate Hamas. Consequently, Netanyahu directed the IDF and the defence establishment to present a comprehensive plan to the Cabinet, addressing both the evacuation of civilians from combat zones and the dismantling of the Hamas battalions.

Responding to the military escalation plan, the office of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas criticized the potential evacuation as a "real threat" and a "dangerous prelude" to Israeli expulsion of Palestinians from their land. The statement called for collective responsibility to prevent further escalation leading to prolonged regional conflict. The conflict between Israel and Hamas began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. In response, Israel initiated a counterattack, vowing to eliminate the terrorist group.

In the latest update on the ongoing conflict, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported on Sunday that soldiers conducted operations in Khan Younis, uncovering AK-47 rifles, ammunition, military equipment, and technological assets. Additionally, RPGs were discovered inside the residences of suspected terrorists.

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