Approximately 300,000 people have been displaced from Rafah due to what the Israel Defense Forces describe as a 'current temporary evacuation' from the southernmost city in Gaza. The IDF reported on Saturday that around 300,000 Gazans have relocated to the Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi, situated on the coast north of Rafah. This area was already hosting displaced individuals before the recent evacuation orders were issued to the residents of Rafah.
The updated figure of 300,000 evacuees is double the initial estimate provided by the IDF just two days prior. When asked for clarification on the numbers, the IDF explained that the count pertained specifically to the onset of the evacuation process from Rafah and did not include individuals who may have already moved in that direction before the military operation in eastern Rafah began nearly a week ago.
Prior to the Israeli operation in the eastern part of Rafah, it is estimated by the United Nations and humanitarian organizations that the area was home to between 1.2 and 1.4 million residents. Recent satellite imagery analysis conducted in the region revealed that tent cities across various parts of Rafah appeared noticeably less populated than before, indicating the significant impact of the evacuation on the local population.
