Palestinians Flee Rafah Following IDF Evacuation Call

Palestinians began fleeing Rafah on Monday after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called on residents of the southern Gaza town to evacuate. “The IDF is returning to fight with great force to eliminate the capabilities of terrorist organizations in these areas,” tweeted Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson. He urged civilians to move immediately to shelters in Al Mawasi for their safety.

The evacuation order comes amid ongoing hostilities following Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage during the assault.

According to Israeli authorities, 59 hostages remain in captivity, with 36 believed to be dead. The conflict continues to escalate, with Israeli forces targeting Hamas strongholds while civilians in Gaza face mounting displacement and humanitarian challenges.