In a recent development, a spokesman from Hamas communicated through the organization's Al Aqsa channel, issuing a stark warning: any Israeli offensive targeting Rafah—a city currently providing refuge to approximately one million displaced individuals—would severely jeopardize ongoing negotiations regarding a hostage deal. This announcement followed remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an ABC News interview excerpt, revealing plans to target remaining Hamas factions within Rafah.

The prospect of an Israeli military operation in Rafah has elicited concern from the international community as well, given the city's dense population of Palestinian refugees. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron highlighted the dire situation, noting that over half of Gaza's population has sought shelter in the area. Echoing these concerns, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot warned of the potential for significant civilian casualties. Similarly, Saudi Arabia expressed alarm over the grave consequences that could follow an assault on Rafah. None of these countries who warned Israel about entering the last stronghold of Hamas and the likely location of Hamas military leader Yahya Sinwar and the hostages mentioned that Hamas is hiding within the civilian population, which under the Geneva convention is a clear war crime.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News tonight on the Eve of the Ground Invasion of the Southern Gaza Strip and the City of Rafah that, “Victory is within reach” and that he Agrees with Civilian Concerns presented by the United States about the Operation, “We're… pic.twitter.com/xkGUfcOe0Q

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 11, 2024

The leadership in Gaza, under Hamas, has predicted catastrophic human tolls, with possible casualties reaching tens of thousands, should the offensive proceed. Israel's military actions in Gaza were initiated in response to deadly attacks by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities. Recent updates from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry indicate a grim escalation, with 112 Palestinian deaths reported in just the previous day, pushing the total number of fatalities to over 28,100 but they refuse to identify how many of the dead were active combatants.

The dire situation in Rafah is compounded by the fact that many of its current residents have been displaced from other parts of Gaza, seeking safety amidst ongoing hostilities. The Israeli Prime Minister's directive to prepare for civilian evacuations from Rafah, in anticipation of an intensified military campaign against Hamas, underscores the gravity of the situation. Netanyahu's office emphasized the necessity of removing Hamas forces from Rafah to achieve the war's objectives, stating, "It is impossible to achieve the goal of the war without eliminating Hamas, and by leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah. It is clear that intense activity in Rafah requires that civilians evacuate the areas of combat."

Foreign Secretary David Cameron says he is 'deeply concerned' by Israel's plans for ground invasion of Rafah
via https://t.co/5BfHcDzN3W ⁦@RishiSunak⁩. Is this the best you could find? Really, no wonder you’re finished. UNELECTABLE, lead by donkeys! https://t.co/GclsMerDKF

— Helen Tiger (@helen_tiger) February 11, 2024

Rejecting Hamas's latest ceasefire proposals, Netanyahu's stance reflects a broader international apprehension regarding the potential for an escalated conflict in Rafah. The United States has labeled any invasion of Rafah as a potential "disaster," a sentiment echoed by the European Union and the United Nations. The logistical challenges of evacuating the city, positioned on the border with Egypt, further complicate the humanitarian crisis.

UN humanitarian coordinator Jamie McGoldrick, after visiting Gaza, shared his concerns with the BBC's Barbara Plett Usher about the lack of safe havens for Rafah's residents. With declared safe areas no longer secure, the looming threat of an Israeli offensive leaves many with no place to go, amplifying fears of an exacerbating humanitarian disaster.

Alarmists who say Egypt and Israel will get in conflict over IDF Rafah operation are mistaken; by all indications there is security coordination

Israeli prime minister Netanyahu announced Friday that he had ordered the Israeli military to present the cabinet with a plan to both… pic.twitter.com/e7bURtqUUO

— Brian BJ (@iamBrianBJ) February 11, 2024

Approximately 1.5 million Palestinians in Rafah, many living in temporary shelters like tents, find themselves caught in the crossfire of Israeli military operations across Gaza. International voices, including Cameron and Bruins Slot, have urgently called for a cessation of hostilities to facilitate aid delivery and secure a path toward a lasting ceasefire. The situation in Rafah remains precarious, with widespread condemnation of the potential for large-scale military actions in such a densely populated area, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.