In the midst of escalating tensions, Israel has issued new evacuation orders in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, compelling tens of thousands of residents to leave their homes. This move comes as Israel prepares to expand its military operation deeper into what is considered Gaza's last refuge, despite mounting pressure from the United States and other allies.

Israel's military has announced its intention to advance into the devastated northern Gaza, claiming that the Hamas militant group has regrouped in the area after seven months of fighting. So far, Israel has successfully evacuated the eastern third of Rafah, with top military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari reporting the deaths of several militants as targeted operations continue.

However, the United Nations has sounded the alarm, warning that a full-scale invasion of Rafah would not only further impede humanitarian operations but also result in a surge of civilian casualties. Rafah, which borders Egypt, serves as a vital entry point for aid, which has already been affected by the ongoing conflict. In response, Egypt has refused to coordinate with Israel for aid delivery through the Rafah crossing.

The United States, a close ally of Israel, has presented a stance against providing offensive weapons for the operation in Rafah. In fact, the Biden administration has even stated that there is "reasonable evidence" of Israel potentially breaching international laws protecting civilians. In defense, Ophir Falk, foreign policy adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighted that Israel abides by the laws of armed conflict and takes extensive precautions to minimize civilian casualties.

The latest wave of evacuations in Rafah has forced many Palestinians to return to northern areas already devastated by previous attacks. Aid agencies have estimated that around 110,000 people had left before the recent order for an additional 40,000 evacuations. Civilians have expressed their desperation and fear, acknowledging the Israeli army's indiscriminate targeting of everything in Gaza.

The situation is dire for the displaced population, as there are limited safe places left to seek refuge. Some Palestinians have been directed to humanitarian safe zones along the Muwasi coastal strip, which is already heavily populated and suffering from poor living conditions. However, aid workers lament the lack of supplies, including tents, blankets, and bedding, to assist people in establishing new shelters.

With the conflict intensifying, critical resources are running out. The World Food Program has indicated that food supplies in southern Gaza will be depleted soon, raising concerns of a "full-blown famine" in parts of the region. Additionally, fuel shortages threaten the closure of hospitals, disrupting crucial medical operations.

Amidst heavy fighting in northern Gaza, Israel's air force continues to carry out airstrikes. Palestinians in Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya, and surrounding areas have been urged to seek shelter in the west of Gaza City to avoid the Israeli military's significant retaliatory strikes.

This military operation in Rafah marks a new chapter in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement through negotiations in Cairo have yielded no breakthrough so far, despite Hamas claiming to have accepted a deal rejected by Israel.

Back in Israel, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in anti-government protests, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to broker a resolution. Amidst growing pressure, concerns arise that the Rafah operation may be driven by political motives rather than purely military objectives.

Sam Mednick reports from Tel Aviv, Samy Magdy from Cairo, and Jack Jeffery contributed to this story from Jerusalem.