Israeli military orders evacuation of most of Rafah

The Israeli military has issued extensive evacuation orders for most of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.

Earlier this month, Israel resumed its air and ground offensive against Hamas after ending a ceasefire. In May, Israeli forces launched a major operation in Rafah, heavily damaging large parts of the city.

During the operation, Israeli troops took control of a key buffer zone along the Egyptian border and did not withdraw, despite the ceasefire agreement calling for it. Israel stated that maintaining its presence in the area was necessary to prevent weapons smuggling.