Israel fought fresh battles with Hamas in northern Gaza on Sunday after ordering tens of thousands more people to flee Rafah as it expanded its assault on the densely populated southern city despite international condemnation.
The Israel Defense Forces said on social media on Saturday that Palestinians should leave three districts close to the centre of Rafah and two refugee camps in the city. It instructed them to move to what Israel described as a “humanitarian area” on the coast.
“Our operations against Hamas in Rafah remain limited in scope and focus on tactical advances, tactical adjustments, and military advantages — and have avoided densely populated areas,” Daniel Hagari, the chief IDF spokesperson, said on Saturday night.