Tensions as IDF Orders Evacuation of Parts of Rafah Amidst Threat of Ground Invasion

[Social Media]

 

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the Israeli army has issued orders for tens of thousands of residents in the southern Gaza city of Rafah to evacuate, raising fears of an imminent ground invasion. The move comes amidst heightened hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with both sides engaged in a deadly cycle of violence that has gripped the region for months.

 

The decision to evacuate Rafah was announced through leaflets dropped from Israeli aircraft, featuring maps outlining safe zones for refugees to seek shelter. This development has further complicated efforts by international mediators to broker a ceasefire between the warring parties, as Hamas and Qatar, a key mediator, have expressed concerns that an invasion of Rafah could derail peace talks.

 

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has voiced apprehension over the evacuation, stating that the designated safe area may not adequately meet the basic needs of displaced civilians. Scott Anderson, the Director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, highlighted the challenges posed by the coastal terrain of the region, describing it as a "sandy area" with limited infrastructure.

 

The Israeli army has framed the evacuation as part of a "limited scope operation," refusing to confirm whether it marks the beginning of a broader invasion of Rafah. Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, an army spokesman, emphasized that the move was intended to ensure the safety of civilians amidst ongoing hostilities.

 

The decision to target Rafah comes in the wake of a deadly rocket attack carried out by Hamas militants, resulting in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers. Israel has identified Rafah as a stronghold of Hamas and a key target in its campaign to weaken the militant group's capabilities.

 

The potential impact of an invasion on the civilian population of Rafah cannot be overstated. With over half of Gaza's population residing in the town and its surroundings, the prospect of a military incursion has raised alarm among humanitarian organizations. Most residents are already displaced due to previous Israeli attacks on Hamas targets, and another assault could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis.

 

Despite calls from the United States and other international actors to exercise restraint, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his commitment to neutralize Hamas. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has echoed this sentiment, warning of a "powerful operation" in Rafah in the near future.

 

The situation has also strained relations between Israel and Egypt, with the latter expressing concern over the potential militarization of the Gaza-Egypt border. Egypt, a key mediator in the region, has emphasized the importance of upholding the peace agreement between the two countries and preventing further escalation of violence.

 

2024-05-06

 

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[Nick Carter icp]

19 minutes ago, Social Media said:

The decision to target Rafah comes in the wake of a deadly rocket attack carried out by Hamas militants, resulting in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers.

 

 

   Israel is responding to Hamas attack on the border crossing . A border crossing where much aid enters into Gaza .

   What a strange war .

Israel are allowing aid to reach its enemy and its enemy are bombing the location where the aid enters .

    Hamas are trying to stop aid entering Israel, so there's starvation and a world public outcry for Israel to cede to Hamas's demands .

   Israelis are dying trying to help the Palestinians .

Israelis are both fighting against the Palestinian and also fighting for them 

[eisfeld]

Why is no one asking the question of why Hamas is not giving up even though they have zero chance of winning the war and are fully aware of the massive pain they are causing to their own people? Why are the palestinians not trying to put an end to this Hamas madness? If they want to play the victim card then maybe stop firing rockets and doing random attacks? It's such an absurd situation. But I guess that's what you get after being indoctrinated with hate from small.

[Bkk Brian]

Update on this from the IDF

 

A precise counterterrorism operation to eliminate Hamas terrorists and infrastructure within specific areas of eastern Rafah began overnight, based on intelligence. Residents in the area of eastern Rafah were encouraged to temporarily evacuate to the expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi prior to the operation. The IDF has facilitated the expansion of field hospitals, tents, and an increase in water, food and medical supplies in the area. IDF troops managed to establish operational control of the Gazan side of the crossing following intelligence that the Rafah Crossing in eastern Rafah was being used for terrorist purposes. This is after mortars were fired from the area of the Rafah Crossing toward the area of the Kerem Shalom Crossing which killed 4 IDF soldiers and injured several others.

[Neeranam]

On 5/6/2024 at 7:28 PM, eisfeld said:

Why is no one asking the question of why Hamas is not giving up even though they have zero chance of winning the war and are fully aware of the massive pain they are causing to their own people? Why are the palestinians not trying to put an end to this Hamas madness? If they want to play the victim card then maybe stop firing rockets and doing random attacks? It's such an absurd situation. But I guess that's what you get after being indoctrinated with hate from small.

Why are you not asking why the US is still sending bombs?

You obviously don't know how Israel has damaged Palestine over the last 50 years. 

 

[eisfeld]

2 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

Why are you not asking why the US is still sending bombs?

You obviously don't know how Israel has damaged Palestine over the last 50 years. 

 

 

Because these questions are asked all the time. Palestinians could have a much much better life if they got rid of Hamas and approached the issue in a friendlier manner. What are they thinking will happen? There is zero chance of these actions helping anyone apart from the terrorist leaders and their hate.

[Neeranam]

20 minutes ago, eisfeld said:

 

Because these questions are asked all the time. Palestinians could have a much much better life if they got rid of Hamas and approached the issue in a friendlier manner. What are they thinking will happen? There is zero chance of these actions helping anyone apart from the terrorist leaders and their hate.

I agree, same as Israelis would be safer without Netanyahu.

Gazans are basically locked into a small area by Israel. I guess when living in a prison, you don't really care, you will die for your freedom. The world is now awake to what Israel has done to Palestine, just look at the protests around the world. some might say that Hamas are winning this Genocide, although it sounds ridiculous.  

[Yellowtail]

 Why is the IDF ordering evacuations in Rafah if they are committing genocide? Will it not just take longer? Why not bomb when they are all there? 

[eisfeld]

1 minute ago, Neeranam said:

I agree, same as Israelis would be safer without Netanyahu.

Gazans are basically locked into a small area by Israel. I guess when living in a prison, you don't really care, you will die for your freedom. The world is now awake to what Israel has done to Palestine, just look at the protests around the world. some might say that Hamas are winning this Genocide, although it sounds ridiculous.  

 

Israel would maybe be safer without Netanyahu. The guy is trouble for sure. Even has that evil villain grin but he's quite smart and an excellent talker. Gaza is not completely locked in by Israel btw. They have a border with Egypt which despite being also muslim is doing not exactly much for their supposedly brothers. I'm also not seeing Iran or Qatar dropping food and medical supplies into the country. Instead they supply rockets and support for the terrorists who use the general Palestinian population for their purposes against Israel. What a clusterfark of evil.

[Neeranam]

3 minutes ago, eisfeld said:

 

 What a clusterfark of evil.

You forgot to mention the USA, who are the cause of this. 

[Yellowtail]

1 minute ago, Neeranam said:

You forgot to mention the USA, who are the cause of this. 

How? 

[Nick Carter icp]

8 minutes ago, eisfeld said:

 

 Gaza is not completely locked in by Israel btw. 

 

   There really is no point in telling that , far as they are concerned Gaza is completely locked on by Israel and nothing that you can do or say which will make them change their mind , not even showing pictures of the Egyptian / Gaz border will make them change their mind .

   You just need to go along with them and agree with them and move on 

[eisfeld]

24 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

You forgot to mention the USA, who are the cause of this. 

 

Yea no I didn't because obviously they are not. It's the hate spreaders in Palestine, Qatar and Iran foremost and of course some blame is on Israel as well. Those are the primary actors here.

[Neeranam]

9 hours ago, eisfeld said:

 

Yea no I didn't because obviously they are not. It's the hate spreaders in Palestine, Qatar and Iran foremost and of course some blame is on Israel as well. Those are the primary actors here.

 Israel's actions and policies have  hindered the peace progress. Settlement expansion in the occupied territories has been a major barrier to peace.

Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, such as the 1982 invasion of Lebanon and the Gaza wars, have further strained relations and undermined trust between Israel and its neighbors. I

ssues such as the status of Jerusalem, the rights of Palestinian refugees, and security concerns have proven deeply entrenched and difficult to resolve. Despite occasional breakthroughs, Israel's reluctance to make significant concessions and its insistence on maintaining control over key territories have been the man obstacles to achieving a lasting peace in the region.

 

Tell me, do you think settlement expansion is fair enough?

 

 

[placeholder]

Et tu, Biden?

Biden withheld bomb shipment to Israel out of fear it could be used in Rafah: 

Israel's Rafah plans prompted review of weapons transfers, official says.

https://news.google.com/articles/CBMid2h0dHBzOi8vYWJjbmV3cy5nby5jb20vUG9saXRpY3MvYmlkZW4tYWRtaW5pc3RyYXRpb24tcGF1c2VzLWFtbXVuaXRpb24tc2hpcG1lbnRzLWlzcmFlbC11cy1vZmZpY2lhbHMvc3Rvcnk_aWQ9MTA5OTkzMjcw0gF7aHR0cHM6Ly9hYmNuZXdzLmdvLmNvbS9hbXAvUG9saXRpY3MvYmlkZW4tYWRtaW5pc3RyYXRpb24tcGF1c2VzLWFtbXVuaXRpb24tc2hpcG1lbnRzLWlzcmFlbC11cy1vZmZpY2lhbHMvc3Rvcnk_aWQ9MTA5OTkzMjcw?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen

 

I guess Biden is now on the side of the terrorists, too

 

Edited May 8 by placeholder

[Bkk Brian]

US signals backing for ‘limited op’ after IDF takes over Gazan side of Rafah crossing
State Department says legitimate for Israel to prevent Hamas from collecting revenue at border gate with Egypt, while urging quick reopening of crossing so aid deliveries continue

https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-signals-backing-for-limited-op-after-idf-takes-over-gazan-side-of-rafah-crossing/

 

 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

1 hour ago, placeholder said:

Et tu, Biden?

Biden withheld bomb shipment to Israel out of fear it could be used in Rafah: 

Israel's Rafah plans prompted review of weapons transfers, official says.

https://news.google.com/articles/CBMid2h0dHBzOi8vYWJjbmV3cy5nby5jb20vUG9saXRpY3MvYmlkZW4tYWRtaW5pc3RyYXRpb24tcGF1c2VzLWFtbXVuaXRpb24tc2hpcG1lbnRzLWlzcmFlbC11cy1vZmZpY2lhbHMvc3Rvcnk_aWQ9MTA5OTkzMjcw0gF7aHR0cHM6Ly9hYmNuZXdzLmdvLmNvbS9hbXAvUG9saXRpY3MvYmlkZW4tYWRtaW5pc3RyYXRpb24tcGF1c2VzLWFtbXVuaXRpb24tc2hpcG1lbnRzLWlzcmFlbC11cy1vZmZpY2lhbHMvc3Rvcnk_aWQ9MTA5OTkzMjcw?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen

 

I guess Biden is now on the side of the terrorists, too

 

 

   Some of those are precision  bombs that the USA is stalling on sending , Israel will just used dumb bombs which will result in more civilian casualties 

[Hanaguma]

5 hours ago, Neeranam said:

 Israel's actions and policies have  hindered the peace progress. Settlement expansion in the occupied territories has been a major barrier to peace.

Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, such as the 1982 invasion of Lebanon and the Gaza wars, have further strained relations and undermined trust between Israel and its neighbors. I

ssues such as the status of Jerusalem, the rights of Palestinian refugees, and security concerns have proven deeply entrenched and difficult to resolve. Despite occasional breakthroughs, Israel's reluctance to make significant concessions and its insistence on maintaining control over key territories have been the man obstacles to achieving a lasting peace in the region.

 

Tell me, do you think settlement expansion is fair enough?

 

 

Completely irrelevant to Gaza. There have been no Jews in Gaza since, what , 2005? They were forced to leave by the IDF as part of a deal. Left behind lots of valuable agricultural goods etc., which were promptly either seized or used to make weapons by Hamas. 

[Bkk Brian]

Kerem Shalom Crossing reopens to Gaza aid, days after Hamas attack forced closure.

[xylophone]

17 hours ago, eisfeld said:

There is zero chance of these actions helping anyone apart from the terrorist leaders and their hate.

Whilst the terrorist leaders luxuriate in their penthouses in Dubai, the Palestinians, for whom they are supposed to be responsible (to a certain extent) are being punished on just about every front – – why? Because of Hamas hate of Israel and that hatred seems to have no bounds, all the while using Palestinian people as shields for their murderous activities.

 

And whilst these "peace talks" are going on, Hamas still seeks to further this conflict by killing IDF soldiers, thereby signalling their intent to continue this hatred, come what may.

 

It would seem obvious that Hamas leaders lack intelligence or even common sense, because if they had any they would have realised the consequences of their actions on October 7 could be disastrous. I look forward to the day when Hamas is completely wiped out, one way or another.

[CG1 Blue]

26 minutes ago, xylophone said:

It would seem obvious that Hamas leaders lack intelligence or even common sense, because if they had any they would have realised the consequences of their actions on October 7 could be disastrous.

More likely they realised the consequences. Most of the senior Hamas figures are safe in Qatar so they don't care.

They knew Oct 7th would spark a massive response from Israel, and because Hamas soldiers use Palestinian civilians as shields they knew this would result in a huge PR win. 

 

And it worked. Despite raping, torturing and murdering innocent civilians, holding elderly people and babies hostage, using their own citizens as human shields, Hamas are now being touted as the good guys by many. 

 

Hamas are also preventing food, water and medical supplies from reaching the Palestinian civilians. They need Palestinians to keep dying in order to maintain their support from the left. 

[placeholder]

3 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

US signals backing for ‘limited op’ after IDF takes over Gazan side of Rafah crossing
State Department says legitimate for Israel to prevent Hamas from collecting revenue at border gate with Egypt, while urging quick reopening of crossing so aid deliveries continue

https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-signals-backing-for-limited-op-after-idf-takes-over-gazan-side-of-rafah-crossing/

 

 

 

Ignoring the elephant in the room much?

[Bkk Brian]

1 hour ago, xylophone said:

Whilst the terrorist leaders luxuriate in their penthouses in Dubai, the Palestinians, for whom they are supposed to be responsible (to a certain extent) are being punished on just about every front – – why? Because of Hamas hate of Israel and that hatred seems to have no bounds, all the while using Palestinian people as shields for their murderous activities.

 

And whilst these "peace talks" are going on, Hamas still seeks to further this conflict by killing IDF soldiers, thereby signalling their intent to continue this hatred, come what may.

 

It would seem obvious that Hamas leaders lack intelligence or even common sense, because if they had any they would have realised the consequences of their actions on October 7 could be disastrous. I look forward to the day when Hamas is completely wiped out, one way or another.

Its truly awful, the way civilians have been used in their war against Israel. Never before has there ever been anything so horrific that I can think of.

 

This is an opinion piece but worth a read:

 

Israel's Attack on Rafah Must Proceed. Here's Why | Opinion

https://www.newsweek.com/israels-attack-rafah-must-proceed-heres-why-opinion-1885629

[eisfeld]

1 hour ago, xylophone said:

Whilst the terrorist leaders luxuriate in their penthouses in Dubai, the Palestinians, for whom they are supposed to be responsible (to a certain extent) are being punished on just about every front – – why? Because of Hamas hate of Israel and that hatred seems to have no bounds, all the while using Palestinian people as shields for their murderous activities.

 

And whilst these "peace talks" are going on, Hamas still seeks to further this conflict by killing IDF soldiers, thereby signalling their intent to continue this hatred, come what may.

 

It would seem obvious that Hamas leaders lack intelligence or even common sense, because if they had any they would have realised the consequences of their actions on October 7 could be disastrous. I look forward to the day when Hamas is completely wiped out, one way or another.

 

I fully agree apart from the intelligence part. They are smart enough to orchistrate vasts amounts of people in order to increase their own power. They are intelligent but evil to the bone. I'd also like to see Hamas gone but I'm trying to raise the point that it wont be on Israel to fully achieve that. Hamas in a sense is an idea that will live on as long as Palestinians allow it to. Israel can weaken Hamas significantly and hopefully that might leads Palestinians to say enough is enough and kill the rest of it. There wont be peace before that happens.

 

24 minutes ago, CG1 Blue said:

More likely they realised the consequences. Most of the senior Hamas figures are safe in Qatar so they don't care.

They knew Oct 7th would spark a massive response from Israel, and because Hamas soldiers use Palestinian civilians as shields they knew this would result in a huge PR win. 

 

And it worked. Despite raping, torturing and murdering innocent civilians, holding elderly people and babies hostage, using their own citizens as human shields, Hamas are now being touted as the good guys by many. 

 

Hamas are also preventing food, water and medical supplies from reaching the Palestinian civilians. They need Palestinians to keep dying in order to maintain their support from the left. 

 

Fully agree. Many of the Palestinians are being abused as a tool by terrorists. The more innocent babies and elderly die the better. The more cruel the better. The more visible to the outside the better. Netanyahu in a sense was a fool in the way he executed the attacks on Gaza. It was a hate fueled bomb mess. They cause way too many casualties and have lost massive amounts of goodwill in the west and therefor helped the terrorists in Iran, Qatar etc. Maybe they realized that finally because their last offensives were more targeted.

[Bkk Brian]

Israel has no choice. Protect civilians and targeted strikes.

https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1787672329956294870

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzLoHgalsms&t=59s

 

[thaibeachlovers]

On 5/6/2024 at 11:40 PM, Social Media said:

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has voiced apprehension over the evacuation, stating that the designated safe area may not adequately meet the basic needs of displaced civilians.

Stating the blindingly obvious.

 

IMO the evacuation of Rafah is so they can destroy it, then they'll move the people out of the remaining area and destroy that too. Surely they can't possibly believe that they can eliminate Hamas- it will have more recruits than it needs, but they can destroy the infrastructure so there is nowhere for Gazans to live.

 

I don't see any other reason for destroying so much infrastructure

[thaibeachlovers]

13 hours ago, eisfeld said:

Maybe they realized that finally because their last offensives were more targeted.

Yes targeted on families. Several families with small children blown up in residential buildings recently, as seen on Al Jazeera.

[thaibeachlovers]

14 hours ago, CG1 Blue said:

And it worked. Despite raping, torturing and murdering innocent civilians, holding elderly people and babies hostage, using their own citizens as human shields, Hamas are now being touted as the good guys by many. 

Wrong. IMO they are now seen as no worse than the IDF that have killed thousands of children.

 

In any event the world wide protests are in support of the innocents being killed by israel, not in support of Hamas.

[placeholder]

I actually believe that the bombing campaign should be expanded. Israel should target a country that helped to keep those terrorists in power for years. Israel should start bombing Israel now.

Edited May 8 by placeholder

[Bkk Brian]

42 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Wrong. IMO they are now seen as no worse than the IDF that have killed thousands of children.

 

In any event the world wide protests are in support of the innocents being killed by israel, not in support of Hamas.

A true Hamas apologist who wears his badge of honor with style

 🤮