NETANYAHU PLANS TO EXPEL PALESTINIANS FROM RAFAH
▶ Gazans refuse to leave homes despite warnings of imminent incursion into enclave’s southernmost city
Israel’s army is planning further displacement of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said yesterday, after he announced that a ground incursion into the southern city of Rafah was necessary.
Israel’s military “presented the war cabinet with a plan for evacuating the population from the areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip, and with the upcoming operational plan”, Mr Netanyahu’s office said.
It did not give any details about how or where civilians would be moved or which areas would be affected.
About 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah since the start of the war. The city on the border with Egypt also serves as the entry point for global aid of Gazans.
Mr Netanyahu told US broadcaster CBS on Sunday that Palestinians in southern Gaza would be told to move to the enclave’s north – much of which has already been destroyed by the Israeli air and ground offensive.
“There’s room for them to go north of Rafah to the place that we’ve already finished fighting in,” Mr Netanyahu said, but noted that fighting was continuing in the north.
The Prime Minister said a ground incursion into Rafah would put Israel within weeks of a “total victory” over Hamas.
“If we have a deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen,” he said.
“It has to be done because total victory is our goal and total victory is within reach – not months away, weeks away, once we begin the operation.”
The international community has voiced concern about an operation in Rafah.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said President Joe Biden had made it clear that all parties needed to work to reach a temporary pause in fighting.
“We are telling everyone, including the Israeli government, that it is our firm position that every effort be exercised to get to this agreement, and then we can move forward from there,” Mr Sullivan said.
Much of Gaza has been devastated by Israeli air and ground bombardments since October, with civilians now sheltering in Rafah having moved from the north.
Rafah resident Raed Abu Hashem, 39, has provided
I am not leaving my home. Even if my sons want to leave, I will not abandon it and return to find it destroyed
ABU ALAA AL KTEEB Rafah resident
shelter to about 100 displaced relatives but does not know where they can all seek refuge.
“Where should I go, along with the 100 people I’m hosting? I’ve seen what happened to the residents in the north of Gaza when they left their homes, they lost everything,” Mr Abu Hashem told The National. “We are struggling to provide water and food while staying in our homes. What could happen if we left to stay in tents?”
Rafah resident Abu Alaa Al Kteeb, 70, said he is willing to die rather than flee.
“They are displacing us and making us scavenge for food and a dignified life,” Mr Al Kteeb told The National.
“I am not leaving my home. Even if my sons and their children want to leave, I will not abandon it and return to find it destroyed. I would rather die than live to see the destruction of what remains of my home.”
Mahmoud Al Hinawi, 42, from Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, has already been displaced several times.
“If they ask us to flee, it will be for the fifth time, and it’s always into the unknown,” he said.
“What I desire now is for my fifth displacement to be to the north so we can return to our destroyed homes.
“We will not agree to flee to another destination in the south.
“Let us go back to our homes and start rebuilding the lives they completely destroyed.”