Rafah ground invasion raises fears of aid collapse and ethnic cleansing
An Israeli ground invasion of Rafah - the most densely populated area in Gaza - appears imminent, days after a devastating night of air strikes on the southern city.
The population of Rafah - which spans just 150 sq km - has increased fivefold since war broke out on 7 October. It is now home to 1.5 million displaced Palestinians.
In an interview with ABC News on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his intent for an imminent ground incursion on the area.
He added that it would be done while providing “safe passage for the civilian population”, details of which he said Israel was "working out".
But aid workers insist that no such safe zones exist in the besieged, bombarded enclave.
"Amidst insufficient aid supplies crossing Rafah, Israeli bombardment of areas close to aid operations put the entire aid system at risk of suspension and collapse," Ahmed Bayram, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s regional media and communications advis0r, told Middle East Eye.
"Israeli operations have drawn nearer to heavily populated shelters. We are fearing the worst if Israel's plan goes ahead."
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