Hamas says it is ready to fully defend Palestinians in Rafah, hitting back at Israel after it ordered the evacuation of the southern city, raising fears of an imminent ground attack.

At the same time, Hamas warns that “any Israeli military operation will be no picnic” for the Israeli army.

Among other things, the Palestinian organization said the Rafah evacuation order underscores Netanyahu’s insistence on committing “genocide” against Palestinians.

“Zero hour” for Rafah: The evacuation of the Palestinians has begun – Israel is ready to invade

The mass exodus of Palestinians from the Rafah area, near the Gaza border with Egypt, has begun, following the evacuation order from the Israeli authorities.

Everything shows that the “zero hour” has arrived for Rafah and the much-discussed Israeli operation in Rafah is only a matter of time before it manifests itself.

The developments seem to be “running” after the rocket attack launched by Hamas from the Rafah area on Sunday afternoon. So far it has been announced that four Israeli soldiers have lost their lives, while there are many wounded.

Israeli authorities dropped leaflets from the air warning the civilian population to leave immediately as a military operation was imminent.

Reports say at least 100,000 people have been displaced, but the population displaced to Rafah from other areas of Gaza since the start of Israel’s military operation exceeds one million.

Both the USA and Europe, but also the Arab states and of course Egypt, have expressed their strong opposition to Israel for the looming operation in Rafah, as the risks for further escalation are very great.

The US and Western powers are talking about a serious worsening of the humanitarian crisis, while Egypt has been put on high alert, as it does not want a military conflict on its borders.

In addition, Iran has warned for its part that an Israeli attack on Rafah will be seen as an act of aggression and there will be a response.

The Israelis, however, are determined to go ahead with their plan. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallad has already informed his American counterpart, Austin Lloyd, by phone.

Hamas, for its part, stated that a possible Israeli invasion of Gaza would mark the final end of the truce negotiations. Negotiations, which, anyway, are taking place amid Israeli bombing of Gaza and rocket fire by Hamas and Hezbollah into Israeli territory.