Panic is soaring in Rafah as desperate Palestinians decide whether to flee the last refuge in Gaza as Israel draws up plans for a ground offensive that the United Nations aid chief has warned could lead to “a slaughter.”
Two displaced Palestinians told Reuters they are fleeing Rafah ahead of an anticipated Israeli ground offensive and heading to the cities of Khan Younis in southern Gaza and Al-Maghazi in the central strip.
The Israeli military is preparing for a ground offensive in Rafah, despite mounting international opposition to the plan and the impacts it would have on the civilian population. Follow for live updates.
A US-funded shipment of flour destined for Gaza has been stuck at the port of Ashdod in Israel for weeks because the main United Nations agency in Gaza is listed as the recipient, according to an Israeli official.