Rafah offensive

Rafah offensive
Part of the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war
Israeli tanks at the Rafah crossing
Date 6 May 2024 – present (5 months, 3 weeks and 6 days) Location Rafah Governorate, Gaza Strip Status Ongoing: Israel orders evacuations in Rafah Israel seizes the Rafah border crossing on 6 May Israel captures all of Egypt–Gaza border Israel enters Rafah on 14 May The International Court of Justice orders Israel to halt the offensive
Belligerents
Israel	Hamas Palestinian Islamic Jihad Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades
Commanders and leaders
Yaron Finkelman Itzik Cohen Benny Aharon	Salame Muhammad Abu Ajaj † Israeli claim: Yassin Rabia † Khaled Nagar †
Units involved
Israel Defense Forces Israeli Ground Forces 98th Division Oz Brigade Egoz Unit Maglan 162nd Division 401st Brigade File:תג יחידה - חטיבה 828 - ביסמל"ח.svg Bislamach Brigade Givati Brigade Nahal Brigade Granite Battalion 252nd Division Negev Brigade Gaza Division Desert Reconnaissance Battalion 7th Armored Brigade Combat Engineering Corps Yahalom Combat Intelligence Collection Corps Israeli Air Force Military Intelligence Directorate Unit 504 Ministry of Defense Shin Bet	al-Qassam Brigades Rafah Brigade Tel al-Sultan Battalion Al-Quds Brigades Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades National Resistance Brigades
Strength
Unknown	7,000–8,000 (per U.S. and Israel)
Casualties and losses
Per Israel: 21 soldiers, 1 Defense Ministry contractor killed 51 soldiers,, 1 Military Intelligence Directorate interrogator and 2 Defense Ministry employees injured	Per Israel: ~300 militants killed
209+ Palestinians killed, 286+ injured 1 UN staff member killed, 1 WHO staff member injured 2 Egyptian border guards killed 2 Israeli hostages killed (per Hamas), 3 civilians injured 1,000,000+ Palestinians displaced (est.)

On 6 May 2024, Israel began a military offensive in and around the city of Rafah as part of its invasion of the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war.

Before the offensive, about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians from elsewhere in the Gaza Strip had sought shelter in Rafah. In February, Israel announced its intent to invade in order to eliminate Hamas brigades it said were in the city. In early May, as ceasefire negotiations stalled, Israel prepared for an operation and ordered the evacuation of eastern Rafah. On 6 May, Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar, but Israel's war cabinet unanimously rejected it as "far from Israel's necessary demands", and indicated it would continue its operation. Israel initially planned to launch a two division sweep across the city but Biden administration of the United States considered a major attack into Rafah a red line forcing Israel to reduce the operation to capturing the border to seal off arms smuggling into Gaza and rely on targeted raids into Rafah.

After the rejection, Israel conducted airstrikes on Rafah, entered the edges of the city, and seized the Rafah crossing, closing it. The IDF entered populated areas of the city on 14 May. Israel stated that the operation would not stop unless Hamas was eliminated or hostages were released. On 24 May, the International Court of Justice ordered an immediate halt to the offensive, a position rejected by Israel.

The humanitarian impact of Israeli operations has been high. An estimated 950,000 Palestinians were evacuated to zones alleged to be unsafe and lacking in supplies. Almost 210 Palestinians were killed and 280 injured during Israeli strikes. Hospitals were in poor condition due to Israeli attacks and lack of supplies. In addition, events relating to the offensive resulted in the temporary closures of the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Background

Main article: Background of the Rafah offensive

On 7 October 2023, Hamas and allied militants sparked the Israel–Hamas war by invading and attacking southern Israel, killing almost 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking more than 250 hostages. Following this, Israel retaliated by imposing a total blockade on Gaza, heavily bombing it, invading it, and conducting mass evacuations. Both Israel and Hamas were accused of war crimes.

Since the start of the war, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip sought shelter in the southernmost area of Rafah, near the Egyptian border. With other cities in Gaza depopulated, Rafah became the most populous city in the Palestinian territories, with more than 1.4 million people. Due to the large number of children among those displaced peoples, UNICEF termed Rafah "a city of children".

Airstrikes on Rafah started on 8 October 2023, and continued throughout the war. Israel announced its intentions to invade Rafah in February 2024, which met backlash from the international community. The United States, Israel's largest military supplier, also opposed an offensive.

On 12 February, South Africa, as part of its genocide case against Israel, requested that the International Court of Justice impose additional measures on Israel to not invade Rafah. Israel claimed it had a right to defend itself by entering Rafah to eliminate Hamas. The court rejected the measure, saying its provisional measures already prevented Israel from an invasion.

In advance of the offensive, the United States announced it had paused a weapons shipment, and that it wouldn't supply offensive weapons for Israel's assault. In response, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari stated, "The army has armaments for the missions it plans, and for the missions in Rafah too - we have what we need."

Ceasefire negotiations

Main article: Ceasefire proposal for Israel–Hamas war (May 5)

Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas had reached the closest to success in May. Hamas was expected to agree to a deal that resulted in the release of hostages and an end to the war. However, Israel and Hamas disagreed on the issue of ending the war completely after a hostage deal, with Israel saying it would "under no circumstances" accept a deal with such provisions. This led to the faltering of negotiations.

On 5 May, more than 10 rockets were launched from the Rafah area toward Kerem Shalom, killing four Israeli soldiers and wounding 11. Hamas took responsibility for the attack. Negotiations collapsed, and Israel began to strike Rafah, killing five people. On 6 May, the IDF ordered the evacuation of civilians from eastern Rafah to parts of central Gaza and Khan Yunis. An offensive seemed imminent, and the evacuation was condemned by multiple countries. Later that day, Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal from Egypt and Qatar. The deal included a 6-week ceasefire and exchange of prisoners. However, Israel rejected this deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented that these terms were "far from Israel's basic requirements", while the Israeli war cabinet voted to invade Rafah. Israel said it would send a delegation to continue ceasefire negotiations, while also continuing its offensive in the meantime. Israel also claimed that the United States was aware of, but did not tell Israel about, the deal negotiated between Hamas, Egypt and Qatar.

Timeline

6 May to 13 May

On 6 May, before and during the offensive, Israel struck Rafah at least 50 times. Later that day, in a limited invasion, the IDF entered the outskirts of Rafah and approached the Rafah Border Crossing and the Egyptian border. 20 Hamas gunmen were killed in the operation, according to the IDF. In addition, it claimed to discover three tunnels and destroying an explosive-laden car. On the morning of 7 May, the IDF captured the Rafah Crossing. Hamas continued to shell the Kerem Shalom Crossing from Rafah, launching six mortars and rockets. The Givati Brigade separately seized the portion of Salah al-Din Road in eastern Rafah in an overnight operation.

Haaretz reported that administration of the Rafah Crossing would be handed over to a private firm, and that the operation was limited and intended to exert pressure on Hamas. John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, similarly said that Israel had told the US that the operation was limited and intended to prevent smuggling of arms and money into the Gaza Strip, with negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages and a ceasefire resuming. Israel's Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, said that the operation would not stop unless Hamas was eliminated or Israeli hostages were released.

On 8 May, the IDF continued battles with Hamas in the outskirts of Rafah, killing multiple of the group's fighters. It claimed to have killed around 30 Hamas fighters since the operation began. Hamas meanwhile fired eight rockets at the Kerem Shalom crossing from Rafah, resulting in one soldier being wounded. Later that day, Joe Biden, the President of the United States, threatened to cut off supplies of bombs and artillery to Israel if it went through with a full invasion, already partially withholding aid.

On 9 May, Israel expressed disappointment with Biden's statements, saying they strengthened Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, and that they could not defeat Hamas without invading Rafah. The IDF announced it had killed about 50 Hamas gunmen since the beginning of the operation. It also claimed to discover ten tunnel shafts, including a booby-trapped one that injured three soldiers.

On 10 May, the Israeli war cabinet voted to expand the operation. Sources for Axios gave conflicting reports about whether or not the expansion would cross Biden's red line, but all said the cabinet also told the Israeli delegation to continue ceasefire negotiations. Kirby meanwhile stated that Israel's operation had not crossed the U.S.' "red line" yet, although it was watching with "concern" and urged Israel to open up the Rafah crossing for aid. Lebanese media reported that Israel was planning separate small-scale operations in different parts of Rafah so as to not upset the U.S. South Africa again requested that the ICJ impose additional measures on Israel to prevent a full offensive.

On 10 May, two soldiers belonging the 9th Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade were "seriously injured" due to a Hamas attack, while 12 soldiers belonging to the Southern Battalion of the Gaza Division were injured due to wasp stings. The 401st brigade also advanced on the Salah al-Din Road, encircling the evacuation zone. The IDF claimed it discovered more tunnels in eastern Rafah, struck several sites launching rockets and mortars, and killed several Hamas gunmen throughout the day. Rockets from Rafah and central Gaza Strip were launched by Hamas towards Be'er Sheva, wounding a woman. The World Health Organization stated that an Israeli airstrike wounded a staff member and killed his niece. Ceasefire talks meanwhile broke down after Israel rejected the terms Hamas had agreed to.

On 11 May, Israel ordered evacuation of additional parts of eastern Rafah, in preparation for a further advance. However, the U.S. said it would offer intelligence to locate senior Hamas officials if Israel avoided a full-scale invasion. The offer was part of secret diplomatic talks that had been ongoing to stave off an invasion. The U.S. was concerned about the scale of an invasion, preferring a limited operation with a safer relocation process for civilians. The U.S. and Egypt meanwhile co-operated to find and destroy tunnels located beneath the Egypt–Gaza border. Egypt also refused to coordinate with the IDF at the Rafah crossing. Israel claimed to destroy Hamas tunnel shafts in eastern Rafah, and Hamas attacked soldiers near the Rafah crossing.

On 12 May, Israel claimed Hamas again struck Kerem Shalom with rockets. Hamas and PIJ claimed attacks on the IDF in Rafah, while Israeli tanks struck the area multiple times. Meanwhile, it was reported that Egypt threatened to suspend its peace treaty with Israel if it expanded the offensive, although the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry allayed concerns by saying that the treaty was a "strategic choice" and contained mechanisms for addressing violations. It also announced its support for the South African genocide case. The American secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that Israel had no "credible plan" for safeguarding civilians in Rafah and risked creating an insurgency, while the Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi said that Israel was taking the U.S.' concerns into account about the Rafah offensive after they were raised by his American counterpart Jake Sullivan.

On 13 May, Hamas stated that it had clashed with the IDF in a street to the east of Rafah. A UN staff member was killed when his vehicle was struck while travelling to the European Hospital in Rafah. The UN later alleged that it was due to an IDF tank. Per the Israeli investigation, the vehicle did not inform the IDF ground forces while traveling in a restricted area. It was then attacked along with its occupants, first by a tank and then by a drone, contrary to protocols, after ground forces noticed an armed individual inside. However, it stated that it was not clear as to whether the operators of the drone had noticed the UN markings on the vehicle.

Meanwhile, eight soldiers of the Yahalom engineering unit, two Israeli Defense Ministry employees and a contractor who later succumbed to his wounds, were injured when Hamas shelled the Rafah Crossing. Israel also proposed that the Palestinian Authority take part in operating the Rafah crossing. Sky News however reported that the request was rejected by the Palestinian Authority, which conditioned its cooperation on Israel accepting a plan for creation of a Palestinian state by allied Arab countries.

14 May to 21 May

The Givati Brigade in eastern Rafah

On 14 May, the IDF entered the city proper, advancing into the Brazil, Jneina and al-Salam neighborhoods of eastern Rafah. Israel and Hamas intensified clashes, with Hamas claiming to have destroyed an IDF troop carrier in al-Salam, resulting in casualties. The IDF stated that it had killed militants around the Rafah Crossing and eastern Rafah, and destroyed a missile launching site. Six soldiers were wounded by an explosive device, while the IDF claimed to have killed more than 100 fighters and to have discovered ten tunnels since the offensive began. It also released a drone video alleging presence of militants at a UNRWA logistics center. The UNRWA stated that it could not verify the authenticity, content, timing or exact location, but stated that it likely showed a warehouse which had been abandoned by their staff after IDF ordered evacuation in eastern Rafah. Hamas meanwhile stated that the men in the video belonged to the police force protecting aid centres. The IDF meanwhile announced its first fatality of the operation, as a soldier belonging to the 7th Armored Brigade's 75th Battalion was killed. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stated that Israel's Rafah offensive had lowered the chances of a ceasefire agreement. The ICJ meanwhile said it would hold hearings on the attack throughout the week. The US indicated that it would go through with a long-term weapons deal with Israel, while still blocking weapons it believed could be used in Rafah.

On 15 May, the 162nd Division continued its operations in eastern Rafah, with the IDF stating that the Givati Brigade had raided a Hamas training camp in eastern Rafah, killing several fighters and seizing weapons along with mock IDF vehicles. It also stated that a rocket fired from Rafah towards the Kerem Shalom Crossing struck an open area, without causing casualties. Meanwhile, South Africa presented arguments at the ICJ. It claimed Rafah was the last refuge for Palestinians and requested the court order Israel to pause its operations and withdraw from Rafah. The International Rescue Committee stated that "the scale of the crisis defies imagination". Netanyahu however denied that any humanitarian crisis existed in Rafah, while Blinken stated that the operation had caused a "negative impact". Two Egyptian officials told Reuters that the Egyptian government had rejected a plan from Israel about both countries cooperating to reopen the Rafah Crossing, while it insisted that the crossing only be managed by Palestinian authorities. Israel stated that Egypt was refusing to open the crossing for fleeing civilians.

On 16 May, Gallant announced deployment of additional troops for the offensive, with the Oz Brigade being deployed to Rafah. The IDF claimed that the 401st Armored Brigade with the support of 414th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit destroyed several rocket launchers armed with long-range projectiles, while the Shaked Battalion destroyed another site containing dozens of rocket launchers, including those used in the attack on Be'er Sheva. Satellite imagery showed preparation for two Israeli logistical supply routes.

On 17 May, Israel claimed at the ICJ that it had discovered 700 tunnel shafts used by Hamas in Rafah, including 50 that crossed into Egypt, in order to dissaude the court from ordering a halt to the offensive. The foreign ministers of 13 Western countries signed a joint letter to Israel urging it to call off a large-scale Rafah offensive.

On 18 May, Hamas claimed to have killed 20 Israeli soldiers during clashes in Rafah, while the IDF announced the deaths of two soldiers of the Givati Brigade and injuries to three others due to a booby-trapped tunnel shaft. Separately, a soldier of the 5832nd Combat Engineering Battalion was injured when militants struck his D9 armored bulldozer. The 401st Armored Brigade launched further raids against Hamas in Eastern Rafah, with the IDF claiming that about 50 fighters were killed, while the Givati Brigade claimed to have killed more than 80 militants and seized anti-aircraft guns during the offensive. It also claimed to have killed a senior PIJ member and two Hamas commanders in airstrikes during the day. Israeli media reported that Israel was attempting to persuade the U.S. for allowing an expanded operation. Two people were reported killed after Israel bombed a home in central Rafah.

On 19 May, Sullivan held discussions with Netanyahu during which he called for a targeted operation in Rafah rather than a full-scale offensive. Gallant however stated that Israel was committed to expanding the offensive. The 162nd Division advanced further into Rafah, while the Oz Brigade was deployed into the Brazil neighborhood. The IDF announced the killing of a PIJ commander along with three other members of the group in an airstrike in eastern Rafah, while the Maglan unit located tunnels and militants, and the Egoz Unit found weapons and cameras. Two soldiers belonging to the Rotem Battalion of the Givati Brigade and a logistics crew of the 98th Division were meanwhile wounded. Gaza’s Civil Defence stated three people were killed and eight wounded in a bombing on the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood.

On 20 May, clashes continued along the Philadelphi Corridor, while the IDF stated that it had killed more than 130 fighters in the operation, in addition to discovering dozens of tunnel shafts and underground tunnels crossing into Egypt during the day in eastern Rafah. It also stated that it believed that some Palestinian militants had taken advantage of the civilain evacuation, fleeing with them towards the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone. Journalist David Ignatius reported that Israel had agreed to a limited operation instead of a full-scale offensive involving deployment of two IDF divisions in Rafah, after Sullivan met with Saudi and Israeli officials. A U.S. official expressed initial satisfaction with the reported Israeli decision, stating that it incorporated many American concerns and improved Israel's standing in the negotiations with Hamas. American officials also criticized Egypt for preventing aid delivery through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, as well as mishandling the negotiations. CNN reported that Egyptian mediators had changed the terms of the deal Israel had agreed to, inserting more of Hamas' demands without informing the other parties. Egypt denied the allegations and threatened to withdraw from the talks.

On 21 May, the IDF stated that the Givati Brigade and the 162nd Division had captured three militants exiting a tunnel, seized weapons, uncovered a weapons warehouse, and eliminated 20 other militants over the past day. It later stated that dozens of militants approaching IDF soldiers were eliminated. Israeli tanks advanced into the Brazil, Jneina and al-Salam suburbs, with the IDF stating that it had taken out a militant firing mortars at soldiers with an airstrike, in addition to locating rockets and other military equipment. An Israeli strike on the Yabna refugee camp in eastern Rafah reportedly killed five people, including three children.

22 May to 29 May

On 22 May, Israeli tanks reached the westernmost point in their offensive, advancing to the outskirts of the Yibna suburb after heavy clashes overnight. IDF drones bombed Yibna and some fishing boats on Rafah's beach, while Hamas claimed to have struck two IDF troop carriers along the border with Egypt. The IDF announced the deployment of the Nahal Brigade into Rafah, making it the fifth brigade deployed into the city, while troops advanced into the Brazil and Shaboura neighborhoods after a wave of airstrikes. IDF tanks advanced from the Brazil neighborhood towards the Bahlul gas station and the Zul-Nurein mosque, reaching behind the local Bank of Palestine branch and the cattle market of Rafah. The IDF claimed to have reached the outskirts of the Rafah Camp in the center of Rafah, though not advancing into the city centre itself. It also stated that the 401st brigade located and destroyed several armed rocket launchers along the Philadelphi Corridor, while The Wall Street Journal cited an estimation by Egyptian officials about Israel controlling around 70% of the corridor.

On 23 May, the IDF continued its advance towards Yibna, while also advancing in the Brazil and Shaboura neighborhoods. The IDF claimed that the Givati Brigade found missiles and rocket launchers used by Hamas in a graveyard in eastern Rafah, while also eliminating multiple gunmen in the same area over the past week. It also stated that over the past day IDF sodiers uncovered rocket launchers, several tunnel shafts, and eliminated three militants launching mortars with an airstrike. The Institute for the Study of War and Critical Threats Project stated half of Israel's brigades deployed in Gaza were deployed in Rafah.

On 24 May, the IDF intensified airstrikes and shelling on the southern and central areas of Rafah. The ICJ during the day ruled that Israel must halt military operations in Rafah which would risk destruction of its population contrary to the Genocide Convention, and keep the Rafah Crossing open. Four of the five judges who wrote opinions on the ruling stated that it did not require Israel to completely halt the offensive but only prevent genocidal acts, while the sole dissenting judge opined that it required a complete halt. South Africa, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcomed the ruling, however the latter two also criticized the ICJ for not ordering a halt on fighting in other parts of the Gaza Strip. Israeli government officials meanwhile rejected the ruling and IDF airstrikes struck the Shaboura camp shortly afterwards. The IDF also claimed to have struck an underground structure containing Rafah Brigades members and several senior Hamas operatives. Egypt and the U.S. meanwhile agreed to allow sending some of the food aid stuck at the former's border through the Kerem Shalom Crossing until the Rafah Crossing was re-opened from the Palestinian side.

On 25 May, the IDF continued its airstrikes despite the ICJ ruling, while clashing with Hamas. The New York Times meanwhile reported that condemnation by its allies had succeeded in causing Israel to "moderate" its offensive, citing IDF officers who stated that it was moving "more deliberately" by reducing the intensity of its attacks with lesser airstrikes and shelling, while also using a lesser number of and smaller bombs, causing soldiers to engage Hamas in close-quarters combat. Several Israeli officers also noted that the four Hamas battalions in Rafah were inferior in training compared to its battalions in the northern parts of Gaza Strip. The IDF claimed to have eliminated Palestinian militants, discovered weapons and destroyed part of Hamas' tunnel system in Rafah. It also withdrew the Givati Brigade from eastern Rafah, while four other units of the 162nd Division remained in the area.

On 26 May, the IDF stated that it eliminated militants, found tunnel shafts, seized a large quantity of weapons and destroyed two rocket launchers that were targeting the Kerem Shalom crossing during the day. Hamas later launched eight rockets from Rafah towards Tel Aviv, the first such attack in four months. The IDF claimed to have shot down three rockets, with the other five landing in open areas. Two civilians in Herzliya were lightly wounded and a home was damaged due to shrapnel. In response, Israeli ministers and politicians called for the offensive on Rafah to continue or be intensified. The IDF later claimed to have struck a rocket launcher located near two mosques and used in the Tel Aviv attack, while also stating that the Givati Brigade had eliminated 30 fighters in the past few days. Gaza's Civil Defense Agency meanwhile stated that it had found six corpses from a house which had been struck in eastern Rafah. The IDF later carried out airstrikes in Tel al-Sultan neighborhood. The attack killed at least 45 civilians and drew international criticism. The IDF stated that it has targeted a compound where Hamas officials Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar were present, while Netanyahu stated that it had made a "tragic mishap" although it was trying to avoid harming civilians. Hamas later confirmed the deaths of two of its members in the airstrikes. An IDF investigation found that the deaths were a result of poor planning and it not confirming the presence of civilians in the tents near the compound, with weapons or other flammable material nearby catching fire after the airstrike.

IDF tanks intensified their assault on eastern and southern areas of Rafah on 27 May, killing eight people. Two medical workers were also killed by a drone while leaving the Kuwaiti Hospital. Meanwhile, a skirmish between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers occurred near the Rafah crossing, resulting in one Egyptian soldier being killed. Both countries accused each other of opening fire first. Reuters however cited Egyptian sources as stating that the Egyptian soldier shot at IDF soldiers who crossed into Egypt while pursuing and killing several Palestinians. The IDF troops fired back, resulting in his death and sparking a clash between two sides which left several IDF soldiers and one Egyptian soldier wounded. i24NEWS quoted IDF sources accusing Egyptian soldiers of firing at the Engineering Corps in Rafah first, resulting in several Egyptian soldiers being wounded while the IDF received no casualties. The New Arab meanwhile reported that seven IDF soldiers were wounded. An Egyptian soldier wounded in the clash later succumbed to his wounds, although the state-affiliated Al Qahera News cited a security source as denying it.

The Kuwaiti Hospital, one of the last functional medical facilities in Rafah, announced on 27 May that it was shutting down due to the Israeli drone strike on its workers on the previous day and the staff members were shifting to a field hospital. The Indonesian Field Hospital was later attacked during the day, causing damage to its upper floors. The IDF continued bombing Rafah overnight and stated that it pursued militants along the Philadelphi Corridor. At least 26 people were killed due to Israeli bombings according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The European Union meanwhile agreed to consider reviving the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah, while stating that it would require agreements from the Palestinian Authority, Israel and Egypt.

Residents told Reuters that IDF tanks and armored vehicles had entered central Rafah on 28 May, reaching near al-Awda mosque whilst soldiers clashed with Hamas fighters around the Zoroub Hill. Witnesses also stated that it had deployed unmanned ground vehicles based on the M113 APC. The IDF however refused to comment on the reports. The IDF also continued bombing the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood. During the day, it claimed that the Nahal Brigade found tunnel shafts, captured weapons and killed many militants. The IDF also advanced in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, while deploying the Bislamach Brigade under the command of the 162nd Division into Rafah. The Gaza Health Ministry later stated that at least 21 people were killed and 64 wounded after Israel struck a tent camp in Al-Mawasi, with emergency services stating that the deaths were caused by four IDF tank shells. The IDF denied carrying out the attack. Al Qahera News reported that Egypt, the U.S. and Qatar were trying to revive ceasefire talks. Rafah's field hospitals evacuated to the al-Mawasi area.

IDF tanks continued their probing attacks on 29 May, entering Tel al-Sultan, Yibna and Shaboura neighborhoods before withdrawing to the border with Egypt. Hamas and PIJ claimed to have clashed with the IDF, while also detonating explosives. Three soldiers were killed and three others were seriously wounded during the day. Israel also implemented a communications blackout in some areas of eastern and southern Rafah, while Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes wounded several people and caused fires that destroyed aid stores. Hanegbi stated that the IDF controlled 75% of the Philadelphi Corridor. Hamas claimed that it killed seven IDF soldiers during clashes in al-Shawka neighborhood, while another soldier was shot by his own comrades. It also claimed killings of fifteen soldiers in al-Tanour neighborhood. The IDF later declared it had seized complete control of the Egypt–Gaza border, uncovering 20 tunnels used by Hamas, while Egyptian media quoted sources denying existence of tunnels crossing into Egypt. The Palestine Red Crescent Society meanwhile stated that two of its staff members were killed in Rafah. The deputy director of emergency services in Rafah stated civilians evacuating Tel al-Sultan were targeted by Israeli drones. The IDF also stated that it had taken "tactical control" of Tel al-Sultan.

30 May to 5 June

12 civilians were killed in central Rafah on 30 May due to an Israeli airstrike when they tried to recover the corpse of another individual. The IDF continued to clash with Palestinian militants in Rafah and claimed to have eliminated around 300 fighters.

On 31 May, the IDF confirmed its presence in central Rafah, stating that it located rocket launchers, tunnel shafts, and weapons while dismantling a Hamas weapons depot. Biden later presented an Israeli proposal for a temporary ceasefire to allow for return of Israeli hostages, both alive and dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, entry of more humanitarian aid, and negotiations for a permanent ceasefire for withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip as well as allowing in material for reconstruction, as long as Hamas abided by the agreement. Hamas later expressed its readiness for the negotiations if Israel announced it would abide by the deal. Netanyahu's office stated that Israel was negotiating for a deal, while insisting on Hamas disbanding its military and administration for a permanent ceasefire. The IDF meanwhile released footage of rocket launchers as well as tunnels it said were used by Hamas to smuggle weapons along the border with Egypt. Residential buildings and public facilities were cleared in the as-Salam and al-Jenina neighborhoods in eastern Rafah.

The IDF continued attacking Rafah on 1 June, shelling the eastern and central areas, while also bombing the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood.

On 2 June, Gallant and Netanyahu's chief foreign policy advisor Ophir Falk maintained that Israel would insist on dismantling of Hamas and release of all hostages for a permanent ceasefire. The IDF meanwhile stated that it was operating in the Yabna camp in central Rafah, with the Givati Brigade killing several militants, locating military infrastructure, weapons and anti-aircraft guns, while the 9th Armored Battalion under its command uncovered several rocket-launching pits along the border with Egypt and the Nahal Brigade called in an airstrike to eliminate a rocket launcher. Egyptian officials met with American and Israeli officials during the day to negotiate the reopening of the Rafah crossing during the day. Two Egyptian security sources told Reuters that Egypt had agreed go the European Union's mission as long as Palestinian authorities agreed to resume operating the crossing.

Shoukry on 3 June 2024 stated that Egypt wouldn't open the Rafah crossing unless Israel withdrew from the Palestinian side. The IDF meanwhile stated that the 162nd Division continued its operations in Rafah alongside the Combat Engineering Corps, using tanks and intelligence information passed on to it. In addition, it claimed that the Maglan and Egoz units eliminated militants at a site being used for operations against the IDF, seized weapons, located tunnel shafts and destroyed military infrastructure, while an airstrike destroyed a weapons manufacturing facility used by Hamas.

Two policemen guarding aid deliveries were killed due to Israeli strikes on 4 June, with a total of seven people killed by Israeli attacks in the preceding 24 hours. On 5 June, the IDF published a video of a 2 kilometres (1.2 mi)-long tunnel along the border with Egypt it had recently discovered, and was purportedly used by Hamas to smuggle weapons, adding that it had destroyed it. Israeli gunboats reportedly bombed the city's coast.

6 June to 13 June

Four Hamas militants attempted to infiltrate into southern Israel near Kerem Shalom and Holit during the early morning of 6 June, with the IDF eliminating three of them with drone strikes and tank shelling, while one was believed to have escaped back to Rafah, after they were intercepted by the Desert Reconnaissance Battalion. An IDF officer was also killed in the clash. IDF tanks bombarded Rafah overnight and advanced westwards, reaching al-Izba area near the coastline, while also raiding into central Rafah. Palestinian health officials stated that two people were killed and several others were wounded due to tank shelling in western Rafah. The IDF stated that the Tzabar Battalion of the Givati Brigade had discovered a weapons manufacturing facility during the day, while nearby the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion uncovered a booby-trapped home containing mortars using a drone.

The IDF announced the killing of Salame Muhammad Abu Ajaj, a commander of the General Security Forces of Hamas in Rafah, and Eyad al-Maghari, a Hamas member and the mayor of Nuseirat refugee camp, in an airstrike on 7 June. The 162nd Division continued its operations in Rafah on 8 June per the IDF, with the 401st Brigade raiding a training facility of Hamas' Tel al-Sultan Battalion, killing militants in addition to seizing weapons and locating tunnel shafts. Israeli reportedly fired incendiary bombs in northern Rafah, setting homes and agricultural facilities on fire.

IDF tanks advanced into two more neighborhoods on 9 June, apparently to complete the encirclement of eastern Rafah, triggering clashes with Palestinian militants. The IDF meanwhile stated that the 162nd Division had uncovered tunnel shafts, mortars and other weapons during their raids. An airstrike on a house in Tel al-Sultan killed two people according to Palestinian medics. Palestinian media reported heavy bombardment of Urayba area to the north of Rafah by the IDF overnight.

On 10 June, IDF tanks advanced northwards in Rafah and attempted to advance in the Shaboura neighborhood. The 162nd Division eliminated many militants during the day according to the IDF. Four soldiers of the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion were meanwhile killed and seven wounded in Shaboura when Hamas blew up a booby-trapped building, with the IDF stating that it found a tunnel shaft in the home later on. One of the soldiers later succumbed to his wounds.

On 11 June, the IDF stated that the Givati Brigade had eliminated a militant cell, while seizing intelligence documents and equipment during their raids in the city. The IDF also bombed houses in Rafah during the day according to residents. An Israeli official meanwhile claimed that Hamas had basically rejected the ceasefire proposal, though a Hamas official stated that it has only asked for the fulfillment of its longstanding demands. Hamas and PIJ later stated that they had demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, including from the Rafah crossing and the border with Egypt.

The IDF on 12 June stated that Battalion 890 of the Givati Brigade was operating in Shaboura and had eliminated many militants they encountered over the past week, discovering weapons and a tunnel shaft leading to their underground compound following the clash. On 13 June, Israeli tanks advanced towards Al Mawasi after intensely bombing Rafah overnight according to residents, though the IDF denied bombing inside the designated humanitarian zone itself. Western Rafah was intensely bombarded by the IDF during the day.

14 June to present

The Nahal Brigade eliminated militants, located weapons, several tunnel shafts and passages built by militants through walls of houses during its operations on 14 June according to the IDF, in addition to destroying stockpiled explosives they had found, while the IAF took out a hostile drone approaching the Maglan unit. Hamas meanwhile claimed that two Israeli hostages were killed due to an airstrike in Rafah a few days earlier. Five rockets were fired from the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone according to the IDF, with two falling in open areas in Israel and the other three falling short in the Gaza Strip.

On 15 June, eight Israeli soldiers of the Combat Engineering Corps' 601st Battalion were killed after the Namer armored personnel carrier they were traveling in was targeted in Tel al-Sultan per the IDF, with Hamas claiming responsibility. The IDF also stated that the 401st brigade had eliminated around fifty militants during overnight clashes in Tel al-Sultan. The Palestinian Press Agency reported about IDF bombing the Saudi neighborhood in western Rafah, while Oz Brigade in cooperation with Yahalom seized many weapons over the past week in Rafah according to the IDF.

The IDF on 16 June announced that it will hold daily tactical humanitarian pauses from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the stretch of Salah al-Din Road from Kerem Shalom bording crossing to the European Hospital near Khan Yunis in order to allow delivery of aid, while also stating that it would continue to attack militants in Rafah. Israeli media reported that Netanyahu and the Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed the decision, and it was made without the former or Gallant being informed about it. Meanwhile, it also announced that a soldier of the Nahal Brigade’s reconnaissance unit was wounded, while two other soldiers and an interrogator of the Military Intelligence Directorate's Unit 504 were wounded.

Humanitarian impact

Further information: Humanitarian aid during the Israel–Hamas war, Gaza humanitarian crisis (2023–present), and Gaza Strip famine

Aid entering Rafah through Egypt

Approximately 150,000 people resided in the area of eastern Rafah that Israel initially ordered evacuated. When Israel ordered the evacuation, it extended the al-Mawasi "humanitarian zone" to other parts of central Gaza and Khan Yunis. Israel said the zone comprised field hospitals, tents, and enhanced provisions of food, water, medicine, and other essential supplies. However, Palestinians and aid groups say that designated safe zones have previously been bombed by the Israeli military. Refugees in the area also warned that the area was overcrowded and still lacking supplies. UN and European officials said the safe zone was neither safe nor properly equipped and warned that the order to evacuate Rafah may amount to a war crime. Hospital records showed at least 25 people were wounded in areas not under evacuation orders. A Rafah resident said Israel bombed the zone during the offensive.

Four days later, UNRWA reported that 80,000 people had left the area. Israeli army sources estimated that 150,000 people had fled, and The Guardian reported that more than 100,000 people fled. During the second evacuation, Israel ordered people to evacuate from adjacent areas of eastern Rafah. By then, around 300,000 people had fled the area, with officials estimating as many as 500,000 people have been displaced. By 28 May, over 1 million people were estimated to have been displaced from Rafah by the UNRWA.

Because of events relating to the offensive, Israel temporarily closed Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings, both key for aid into Gaza. Aid agencies said the closures worsened the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The UN called for the crossings to be reopened immediately. Israel re-opened the Kerem Shalom crossing on 8 May, but Blinken said that aid was not getting through. On 14 May, the Palestine Red Crescent Society stated that famine was imminent because of the closure of the Rafah crossing. Israel denied the UN access to the crossings. On 21 May, the UN stated it had run out of supplies and was ceasing food distribution in Rafah, warning of the possible failure of the Gaza temporary pier. On 24 May, the ICJ ruled that Israel must re-open the Rafah crossing.

The offensive took a toll on hospitals in Rafah. On 8 May, the World Health Organization said that south Gaza hospitals only had three days left of fuel due to the closures. On 14 May, the European Hospital announced it would shortly go out of service due to the fuel shortage. The Kuwaiti and Abu Yousef Al Najjar hospitals were ordered to evacuate during the second evacuation. Hospital director Marian Hams stated that Israel targeted hospitals and that they threatened staff with death if they did not vacate. On the same day, Doctors Without Borders was forced to leave the Indonesian Hospital because of Israeli bombing. Medics have warned that all healthcare in Rafah was at risk because of the offensive. Wounded people were prevented from leaving Gaza for medical treatment when the Rafah crossing was closed. American doctors were reportedly trapped in hospitals due to the offensive. Ambulances and rescue teams struggled to rescue people injured in confrontation zones.

At the end of May 2024, the United Nations stated that humanitarian aid supply flows had dropped 67 percent since the start of the offensive at the beginning of the month. In early-June 2024, the head of the World Health Organization stated Israel's offensive had "severely crippled" health operations, with the last medical facility in Rafah increasingly difficult to reach.

Civilian casualties

After the initial Israeli strikes, the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah reportedly received 27 dead and 150 wounded people. Israeli media reported that more than 30 people died in the airstrikes. Medics reported sixteen people killed in two airstrikes, including nine from one family and seven from another. CNN reported that of the dead, 6 were women and 9 were children. Al Jazeera English reported the "nonstop bombing of residential houses".

More than 35 civilians were killed and nearly 130 people were injured on 7 May. 19 people, including five children and a woman, were killed on 8 May. 15 civilians were killed and 5 injured on 9 May. On 10 May, 1 Israeli civilian was injured by Hamas rocket fire from central Gaza and Rafah, 1 Palestinian was killed and one child injured. 9 civilians were killed on 11 May. Multiple civilians and a UN staff member were killed in intensified airstrikes on 13 May. 5 civilians were killed on 15 May. 4 civilians were killed in central Rafah on 16 May. 3 civilians were killed on 18 May. 9 people were killed on 19 May, including six children and two women. 24 people were killed on 20 May, including sixteen children and six women. 18 people were killed on 21 May. 13 people were killed in the 48 hours after the 24 May ICJ ruling.

On 26 May, Israel bombed a displacement camp in Rafah, reportedly killing 35-45 people and wounding 60, while targeting two Hamas commanders. Israel claimed it carried out a "precise" strike on a Hamas compound, and that a fire possibly harmed several civilians nearby. Survivors of the attack claimed it burned people alive and destroyed an entire block. The bombing was described as a massacre by Palestinian officials. On 30 May, Save the Children stated that 66 people had been killed in safe zones over a four day period.

Medics warned that thousands of civilians could die in the offensive. The UN warned the Israeli offensive risked killing hundreds of thousands of people.

International reactions

Africa

• South Africa: The country urged the ICJ to consider action on Israel's planned offensive. In a statement, South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor stated, "South Africa is totally horrified at what is continuing to happen to the people of Gaza, the West Bank, and now Rafah. We believe this confirms the allegation tabled before the ICJ that genocide is under way in the Palestinian territories". When Israel ordered the evacuation of eastern Rafah, the country said it was 'deeply disturbed' and said Israel's operations were illegal.

Americas

• Brazil: After the Israeli forces seized the Rafah crossing on 7 May, the Brazilian foreign ministry condemned the offensive.
• Canada: The country called for a ceasefire in a joint statement with Australia and New Zealand, which stated "We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic." Foreign Minister Melanie Joly had previously stated that Canada was "deeply concerned" about an Israeli invasion of Rafah. The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that any full-scale invasion of Rafah would be 'completely unacceptable'.
• Mexico: The Mexican government condemned the assaults in Rafah, saying that attacks on civilians represent a "serious violation of international humanitarian law" and calls for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire".
• United States: The United States, Israel's largest military supplier, did not approve of plans to invade. An offensive in Rafah under the IDF plan became a supposed red line for the Biden administration, causing a rift in relations between the U.S. and Israel. Nonetheless, on March 29, 2024, Joe Biden authorized the transfer of billions of dollars in bombs and fighter jets to Israel to replenish Israel's military. Biden opposed "any forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza" and reaffirmed his stance that Israel should not continue with the military assault on Rafah "without a credible and executable plan" to ensure the safety of civilians. Initially, three U.S. officials told Politico in February 2024 that Israel would not face consequences from the United States if they were to invade Rafah and kill civilians. By March 2024, however, unnamed U.S. officials told Politico that Biden would consider conditioning military aid to Israel if it were to invade Rafah. On 5 May, when the U.S. expected Israel to invade, the U.S. put a hold on a shipment of ammunition. Biden threatened to cut off Israel's supply of bombs and artillery if it went through with an invasion. On May 14, the Biden administration informed Congress of their planned new $1 billion sale of arms and ammunition to Israel; despite once pausing shipment of bombs to Israel, the Biden administration re-affirmed their commitment to militarily support Israel overall.

Asia

• China: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China stated, "China follows closely the developments in the Rafah area, opposes and condemns actions that harm civilians and violate international law" and demanded Israel "stop its military operation as soon as possible".
• Indonesia: The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Indonesia strongly condemns the Israeli military attack in the Palestinian city of Rafah, stating "Any attempt at forced transfer or displacement of Palestinians, including from Rafah are unacceptable as it amounts to an ultimate crime against humanity". Indonesia reiterates its call for an immediate and permanent cease-fire, and urges the international community in particular the Security Council must stop "Israel’s brutal atrocities" immediately.
• Japan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement that it was deeply concerned about an Israeli military operation in Rafah, stating, "It is crucial to improve the humanitarian situation as soon as possible".
• South Korea: The foreign ministry expressed deep concern over Israel's plans and urged for the protection of civilians under international laws.
• Malaysia: According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Malaysia vehemently condemns the latest attacks by Israel on Rafah [...] and the attacks only demonstrate Israel's intransigence and unwillingness to work for peace. The Israeli regime is bent on pursuing genocide and a war of extermination against the besieged Palestinians. As such, Israel deserves the strongest condemnation from the international community."

Europe

• European Union: Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated, "Reports of an Israeli military offensive on Rafah are alarming. It would have catastrophic consequences worsening the already dire humanitarian situation and the unbearable civilian toll." On 19 February, every single member state of the European Union, with the exception of Hungary, asked the Israeli military not to take military action in Rafah. On 15 May, Borrell called on Israel to immediately halt its assault on Rafah, stating it was disrupting humanitarian aid and causing a humanitarian crisis, while also calling on Hamas to release all Israeli hostages.
• Belgium: Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has warned that Israel's incursion "would cause a further unmitigated humanitarian catastrophe and result in the death of numerous innocent civilians, again mostly children and women."
• Denmark: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement on X, said that "Denmark shares the concern of EU and others regarding a potential Israeli military offensive in Rafah where more than half of Gaza's population is seeking refuge."
• France: Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné stated an Israeli assault on Rafah would be unjustified. In a phone call, Emmanuel Macron told Netanyahu that he was opposed to a military invasion of Rafah. On 16 February, Macron stated, "I share the fears of Jordan and Egypt of a forced and massive displacement of the population".
• Germany: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated, "Taking action now in Rafah, the last and most overcrowded place, as announced by the Israeli defence minister, would simply not be justifiable". On 14 February, Baerbock stated, "If the Israeli army were to launch an offensive on Rafah... it would be a humanitarian catastrophe." On 17 February, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for Israel's "security", but also warned Israeli leaders to abide by international law. On 16 March, Scholz stated, "There is a danger that a comprehensive offensive in Rafah will result in many terrible civilian casualties, which must be strictly prohibited".
• Ireland: Micheál Martin stated an Israeli invasion of Rafah would entail "grave violations of international humanitarian law".
• Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated, "We will reiterate our opposition to military action on the ground by Israel in Rafah that could have even more catastrophic consequences for the civilians".
• Luxembourg: Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel told Israel they risked losing "the last support they have in the world" if they attacked Rafah.
• Netherlands: Foreign Minister, Hanke Bruins Slot, stated that Israel's planned assault on Rafah was "unjustifiable". Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated, "An Israeli offensive in Rafah would cause a humanitarian disaster".
• Slovenia: The Prime Minister Robert Golob stated, "There is a common consensus in saying that we should do everything we can to prevent an attack on Rafah."
• Spain: The country signed a joint statement with the government of Ireland stating, "The expanded Israeli military operation in the Rafah area poses a grave and imminent threat that the international community must urgently confront".
• United Kingdom: Foreign Minister David Cameron stated, "We think it is impossible to see how you can fight a war amongst these people. There's nowhere for them to go... what we want is an immediate pause in the fighting, and we want that pause to lead to a ceasefire".

Middle East

• Arab League: Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit stated any attempt to displace Palestinians would cause the "Middle East [to] explode in an unprecedented way" and create "a confrontation for the next thousand years".
• Egypt: The country denied claims that it would suspend the Egypt–Israel peace treaty if Israel invaded Rafah as long as Israel also adheres to its part of the treaty. Egypt warned that a refugee crisis would occur in Sinai and sent 40 tanks to its border with Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated there would be "dire consequences" if Israel invaded Rafah. On May 7, Canadian-Israeli businessman Ziv Kipper was killed in Egypt. A previously unknown group called "Vanguards of Liberation - the Martyr Mohammad Salah" claimed responsibility, citing retaliation for Israel's takeover of the Rafah border crossing.
• GCC: stated an invasion of Rafah would be a "blatant violation of international law".
• Hamas: The group said that an assault on Rafah would mean a breakdown in negotiations on a truce and prisoner exchange that have been ongoing for weeks.
• Jordan: King Abdullah II said that the world "cannot afford" an Israeli assault on Rafah as it would create another humanitarian catastrophe.
• Oman: The Foreign Ministry stated, "We warn of the serious repercussions of the continuation of the occupation in its indiscriminate aggression in the Gaza Strip and its plans to storm Rafah."
• Palestine: President Mahmoud Abbas stated the impending Israeli invasion of Rafah would create "another Nakba, which will push the whole region into endless wars".
• Qatar: The country urged the United Nations Security Council to prevent Israel from committing genocide and warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah.
• Saudi Arabia: The foreign ministry warned of "very serious repercussions of storming and targeting" Rafah. In a later statement, the foreign ministry stated Israel's planned invasion of Rafah was part of a "continued violation of international law and international humanitarian law".
• Turkey: The foreign ministry stated, "We consider this operation as part of a plan to expel the people of Gaza from their own land... We call on the international community, in particular the UN Security Council, to take the necessary steps to stop Israel." In response to the airstrike on May 26, protesters threw Molotov cocktails at the Israeli embassy in Istanbul.

Oceania

• Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a joint statement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and Christopher Luxon of New Zealand, stating that "There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go," and Israel "must listen to its friends".
• New Zealand: The Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon warned Israel along with the Prime Ministers of Australia and Canada that an invasion of Rafah would lead to humanitarian catastrophe.

International organizations

Humanitarian aid groups

Save the Children stated, "Where is there left for the population to go? They have been already moved from the north of Gaza, from the central areas of Gaza – moved around like pieces on a chess board to achieve military objectives. There is nowhere left for them to move." The Norwegian Refugee Council stated, "An expansion of hostilities could turn Rafah into a zone of bloodshed and destruction that people won't be able to escape. There is nowhere left for people to flee to." Omar Shakir, the Human Rights Watch director for Israel and Palestine stated, "There's nowhere safe to go in Gaza. The ICJ has ordered Israel to prevent genocide. The [international] community should act to prevent further atrocities."

Al Mezan Center stated, "The international community must act now to halt the ground invasion of Rafah." The Carter Center stated "Ordering this new wave of displacement of Palestinians will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis". Doctors Without Borders stated, "Israel's declared ground offensive on Rafah would be catastrophic and must not proceed". The International Committee of the Red Cross called on Israel to "spare and protect civilian lives and infrastructure". On 13 February, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention issued an SOS alert, stating the attacks on Rafah had "worsened the already horrific humanitarian situation".

A joint statement signed by Oxfam, Amnesty International, ActionAid, War Child, the Danish Refugee Council and Handicap International stated, "We are appalled by the harrowing developments in Rafah, Gaza's most populated area where 1.5 million people are sheltering as their last resort – over half a million of them children". In an interview, the president of the American Near East Refugee Aid stated, "If a Rafah operation happens, I just can't imagine how anything survives."

United Nations

In advance of an expected ground invasion of Rafah, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated, "Such an action would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare with untold regional consequences." The UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis stated, "I am shocked and deeply dismayed by the news of an Israeli military offensive into the south of the Gaza Strip. I join the Secretary-General in pleading on behalf of the multitudes of innocent civilians with nowhere safe to go". The World Food Programme stated it was deeply concerned by a military offensive in Rafah.

Catherine M. Russell, the president of UNICEF, stated, "Some 1.3M civilians are pushed into a corner, living on streets or shelters. They must be protected. They have nowhere safe to go". Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian aid coordinator, stated, "The scenario we have long dreaded is unraveling at alarming speed... Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza." Sigrid Kaag stated an offensive on Rafah would be disastrous. On 14 February, the World Health Organization stated an attack on Rafah would "expand the humanitarian disaster beyond imagination [and] push the health system closer to the brink of collapse".

The International Court of Justice rejected a request by South Africa for additional provision measures preventing a Rafah offensive but urged Israel to adhere to existing provisional measures while expressing concern over a "humanitarian nightmare". Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN's special adviser on the prevention of genocide, stated that the risk of atrocities during an Israeli offensive on Rafah were "serious, real and high". Filippo Grandi, the UN's high commissioner for refugees, stated an exodus of Palestinians from Gaza would be "a disaster for the future of peace".

Subsequently, on 10 May 2024, South Africa requested additional provisional measures that would protect the population of Rafah in the face of Israeli attack in that area. South Africa's arguments for these provisional measures were presented orally on 16 May, and Israel's arguments were presented the following day. Before closing the hearing on 17 May, the ICJ requested Israel provide more information about humanitarian conditions in its declared "evacuation zones" in Gaza. Judge Georg Nolte asked Israel to clarify the conditions in these zones, including how it plans to ensure the safe passage of evacuees and the provision of essential supplies such as food and shelter. Israel has been asked to submit a written reply to the question by 18 May at 4 pm. On 24 May 2024, the court ruled that the Rafah offensive constituted a violation of the Palestinians' right for safety and therefore must cease immediately.

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee – a coalition of UN agencies and non-UN humanitarian organization – stated that an Israeli attack on Rafah would "deal a death blow to a humanitarian response that is already on its knees". Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the secretary-general of WHO, stated he feared a ground-scale invasion of Rafah, since people sheltering there were "out of options for where to go". Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, stated a Rafah offensive "would take the nightmare being inflicted on people in Gaza into a new, dystopian, dimension". Paula Gaviria Betancur, the UN special rapporteur on the rights of internally displaced persons, stated, "Any evacuation order imposed on Rafah under the current conditions, with the rest of Gaza lying in ruins, would be in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law". A group of 50 UN experts called for sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel due to the Tel al-Sultan massacre.

International Court of Justice

This section is an excerpt from South Africa's genocide case against Israel § Third request.[edit]

On 10 May 2024, South Africa requested additional provisional measures that would protect the population of Rafah in the face of Israeli attack in that area. South Africa's arguments for these provisional measures were presented orally on 16 May, and Israel's arguments were presented the following day.

Before closing the hearing on 17 May, the ICJ requested Israel provide more information about humanitarian conditions in its declared "evacuation zones" in Gaza. Judge Georg Nolte asked Israel to clarify the conditions in these zones, including how it plans to ensure the safe passage of evacuees and the provision of essential supplies such as food and shelter. Israel has been asked to submit a written reply to the question by 18 May at 4 pm.

On 24 May 2024, the court ruled that continuing the ongoing Rafah offensive would constitute a violation of the Palestinians' right for safety and therefore must cease immediately. Judge Nawaf Salam said the court sees the situation in Rafah as "disastrous" and "Israel must immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in Rafah which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part". Israel denounced the ICJ and said its assault on Rafah does not need to be halted because it does not pose an unlawful threat to civilians.

The interpretation of the specific scope of the ruling varies between the judges, including some arguing that at least some military operations in Rafah are still permitted. Of the 5 judges which published statements, four allowed for some limited military operations, with the Israeli, German, Ugandan and Romanian Judges arguing that the ruling does not mandate a unilateral ceasefire in Rafah, and allows for preventative and defensive actions against Hamas as well as the rescue of hostages. The South African judge disagreed, stating that while defensive actions against specific attacks are permitted, any offensive ones would not be.

South Africa, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, the Egyptian, Turkish, and Saudi Arabian foreign ministries, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, EU High Representative of Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, the Jordanian, Belgian, and Norwegian foreign ministers, war crimes prosecutor Reed Brody, Global Rights Compliance, and the Council on American–Islamic Relations welcomed the ruling, while the United States and Israel rebuked it.

External links

• Media related to Rafah offensive at Wikimedia Commons