In what marks the largest civilian evacuation since the Iron Swords War reignited, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a comprehensive evacuation order for Rafah—a final warning ahead of an anticipated major military strike against Hamas’ last stronghold in Gaza.
The order, delivered by IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee, instructed all remaining residents and displaced persons in Rafah to immediately relocate to designated humanitarian zones in central Gaza. The operation comes as part of Israel’s relentless campaign to dismantle Hamas following the October 7 massacre—the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.
Rafah, which borders Egypt, has served as Hamas’ primary fallback position and smuggling hub throughout the war. Intelligence reports indicate that top Hamas commanders, remaining terror infrastructure, and possibly Israeli hostages are still being held in this area. Despite repeated IDF calls for civilians to evacuate in past weeks, Hamas has used them as human shields—positioning rocket launchers, tunnel shafts, and command posts in schools, mosques, and civilian homes.
Today’s evacuation order follows the pattern of Israel’s moral conduct in warfare: warning civilians to leave before targeting terrorist operatives. This stands in stark contrast to Hamas’ barbaric tactics, which include intentionally maximizing civilian casualties to gain global sympathy and pressure Israel into halting operations.
The IDF’s actions are part of Operation Might and Sword, launched on March 18, 2025, following Hamas’ refusal to release remaining hostages or uphold ceasefire agreements. Since then, the IDF has eliminated hundreds of senior terrorists and severely weakened Hamas’ command structure.
The situation in Rafah also holds immense strategic importance. It is a key node in the Philadelphi Route—a tunnel corridor once used by Hamas to smuggle Iranian weapons into Gaza. By seizing Rafah, Israel is expected to sever Hamas’ final supply lines and crush the group’s ability to wage war.
The international community has pressured Israel to avoid operations in Rafah, citing the risk to civilians. But Israeli leaders have made it clear: there will be no victory without Rafah. Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not leave Hamas partially intact, nor allow it to regroup and launch another October 7-style massacre.
Despite the clear and present danger Hamas poses, the UN and so-called human rights organizations continue to focus disproportionately on Israel’s actions—ignoring the fact that it was Hamas, not Israel, that violated every ceasefire, tortured hostages, and used schools and hospitals for war.
The evacuation of Rafah is not an act of aggression—it is a humanitarian necessity before a defensive military action. If Hamas truly cared about the people of Gaza, it would surrender, release the hostages, and disarm. Instead, it hides behind civilians, hoping the world will once again forget who started this war.
Israel, however, will not forget October 7. Nor will it stop until the last terrorist is neutralized, every hostage is freed, and the people of Israel are safe once and for all.
