Despite widespread concern and pressure from the international community, the Israeli military made it clear on May 16, 2024, that it would send additional troops to Rafah, an important city in the southern Gaza Strip. This decision demonstrates Israel's firm determination and strategic calculations in military action.
According to the New York Times, Israeli Defense Minister Gallant claimed after a meeting with frontline commanders that Israeli forces had carried out precision strikes against hundreds of targets in the Rafah area and that such operations would continue. Despite the concerns expressed by the international community about the potential harm to innocent civilians, Israel does not appear to have changed its course.
It is noteworthy that more than one million displaced Palestinian civilians are currently concentrated in the Rafah area. They have suffered from the long conflict, and many have been forced to move several times in the last seven months. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled Rafah in recent days, and famine is growing across the Gaza Strip, according to UN officials. The World Food Programme has warned that Gaza is facing an unprecedented catastrophic famine.
Continuing the Israeli surge in Rafah could have several consequences.
Exacerbating the humanitarian crisis: More than 1 million displaced Palestinian civilians have taken refuge in Rafah, and the increase in troops could lead to more civilian casualties and displacement, further worsening the humanitarian situation on the ground.
Trigger international condemnation and pressure: A troop surge is likely to attract widespread attention and condemnation from the international community, increasing international pressure on Israel. The international community may call on Israel to cease its military operations and find a peaceful solution.
Impact on regional stability: Rafah is located in the Gaza Strip, and the increase in troops could exacerbate tensions in the region, with implications for the stability of neighboring countries and regions.