IDF calls on Rafah residents to evacuate towards humanitarian area in al-Mawasi ahead of expected incursion

Israel announces expanded humanitarian zone with field hospitals, tents, and basic supplies

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Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday morning that it had begun to warn civilians living in eastern Rafah to evacuate to an expanded humanitarian area in al-Mawasi, between Khan Younis and the Mediterranean Sea.

This expanded humanitarian zone includes, “field hospitals, tents and increased amounts of food, water, medication and additional supplies,” the IDF stated.

The IDF also said it is working with international organizations and partner countries to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

Calls to evacuate were made using flyers, SMS text messages to cell phones, phone calls and media broadcasts in Arabic.

Flyers were dropped over Rafah on Monday morning with the following text (translated from Arabic): "The IDF is about to operate with force against the terror organizations in the area you currently reside, as the IDF has operated so far. Anyone in the area puts themselves and their family members in danger. For your safety, evacuate immediately to the expanded humanitarian area in al-Mawasi.”

According to Palestinian reports, another set of flyers was dropped, warning residents to not move north to Gaza City, calling it a “dangerous combat zone” and telling them it is “forbidden to approach the eastern and southern security fence” with Israel and Egypt.

In addition to warning civilians to make their way to the new humanitarian zone, Israel also warned them that Hamas operatives have fired on civilians during previous evacuations.

The decision to begin evacuating civilians followed the IDF's consultation with the United States, when Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with his counterpart, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Sunday evening.

The move also comes amid an apparent breakdown in hostage negotiations.

On Sunday, while Israel was waiting for a final response from Hamas regarding the proposal, rockets and mortars were launched toward the Kerem Shalom Crossing at the southern border between Israel and Gaza near Rafah. At least 10 Israelis were injured and 3 soldiers were killed in those attacks.

During his conversation with Austin, Gallant informed him about the Hamas attack and told him, "There was no choice left, and this meant the start of the Israeli operation in Rafah."

In the U.S. Department of Defense readout of the call, Austin reiterated the U.S. position that any IDF operation in Rafah must include a "credible plan to evacuate Palestinian civilians and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid.”