Palestinians Evacuate Rafah in Thousands as Israel Steps Up Operations | Israel Hamas War Israel has stepped up its operations in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip where tanks were sent after overnight bombardment. Meanwhile, more Palestinians continue to evacuate Rafah amid new evacuation orders. At least 300,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza’s Rafah, according to the United Nations. Israel’s actions come as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered some of his sharpest criticism against Israel’s approach to the war. Blinken criticised Israel’s lack of a "credible plan" to protect civilians in the enclave. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the army’s ground offensive in Gaza. He said this in a speech in Jerusalem during a Memorial Day ceremony.