In a response to international criticism and concerns over escalating violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he has ordered his forces to prepare a plan to evacuate the population of Rafah, a southern Gaza city. The announcement comes a day after President Biden criticized Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip as being "over the top."

Netanyahu stated that a "massive operation" was required in Rafah, which Israel claims is the last remaining stronghold of Hamas. The Israeli leader expressed the need to send in troops to complete their war plan against the Islamic militant group, citing the presence of "four battalions" of Hamas fighters in the city.

However, the situation in Rafah is dire, with an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians seeking refuge in the city and its surrounding area after fleeing other parts of Gaza. These civilians were urged by the Israel Defense Forces to seek shelter in Rafah. The crowded conditions and potential for civilian casualties have raised concerns among international observers.

Criticism of Israel's plans to invade Rafah has also emerged from the United States, with President Biden and top officials expressing their concerns about the civilian death toll in Gaza. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported that the Palestinian death toll has reached nearly 28,000, with approximately two-thirds of the casualties being women and children.

The Israeli intentions to expand their ground offensive to Rafah have faced backlash in Washington, with State Department spokesman Vedant Patel stating that there is insufficient evidence of serious planning for such an operation. The National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, also expressed that the U.S. does not support an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah.

As tensions continue to escalate, Israel launched more airstrikes in Rafah, targeting residential buildings and other sites. The bombings resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including children. Aid agency officials warned about the dire consequences of a potential offensive on Rafah, emphasizing the need for vital infrastructure such as hospitals, shelters, markets, and water systems to remain functional for the well-being of the civilian population.

Meanwhile, Egypt expressed concern over any potential ground operation in Rafah, stating that it would undermine the country's 40-year-old peace treaty with Israel. The Gaza-Egypt border, mostly sealed, is a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid.

The ongoing war, now in its fifth month, has displaced more than half of Gaza's population, with many seeking refuge in Rafah. Israel's air and ground offensive, which officials have described as one of the most destructive in recent history, has resulted in thousands of Palestinian deaths and tens of thousands injured. The war's impact has left a significant portion of the Gaza population on the brink of starvation.

President Biden continues to work towards a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, while also advocating for the release of hostages still believed to be held by Hamas. However, Netanyahu has rejected Hamas' demands for a hostage deal, dismissing them as delusional.

As the situation remains volatile, the international community watches with growing concern as the conflict between Israel and Hamas shows no signs of abating. The need for a swift resolution to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has become increasingly urgent.