“Fears of Israeli Ground Offensive Terrify Residents in Gaza’s Rafah”

Residents in Gaza’s southern-most city of Rafah are living in fear of an Israeli ground offensive, following a night of intense air strikes. Dr Ahmed Abuibaid, a Palestinian doctor in Rafah, described the air strikes as incessant and everywhere. With more than half of Gaza’s population now crammed into the city, the prospect of an assault on Rafah is terrifying, as it would likely result in a high number of civilian casualties. The UN human rights chief warned that humanitarian aid getting into Gaza might stop if an offensive on Rafah occurs. The US has also expressed concern and called for a credible plan to ensure the safety of civilians. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that victory is within reach and moving civilians to areas north of the city is being planned. The situation in Rafah is already dire, with little access to water, food, sanitation, and medical supplies. Diseases are spreading rapidly, and aid deliveries are insufficient. Civil order is breaking down, and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has faced looting and vandalism of aid trucks. Many displaced people are unsure of where to go if they have to leave Rafah, and the fear of not being able to receive necessary medical treatment is a significant concern.