The Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) issued an expanded evacuation order on Saturday for Rafah ahead of a major military offensive into the city.

“In continuation of the IDF’s precise operations in specific areas of eastern Rafah, the IDF has called upon the population from additional areas in eastern Rafah to temporarily evacuate to the expanded Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi,” IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee wrote on X.

“Hamas is trying to build its capabilities in the area, and therefore, the IDF will act very strongly against the terrorist organizations in the area where you are located, and therefore everyone who is in these areas exposes himself and his family to danger.”

All week, the Israeli military has been dropping flyers from the sky warning Rafah’s 1 million residents to take advantage of the expanded humanitarian zone in al-Mawasi or risk putting themselves and their families in danger. IDF estimates suggest that approximately 300,000 Gazans have evacuated from Eastern Rafah thus far. Although the latest warning only covers the neighborhoods of Geneina and Khirbat al-Adas, reports indicate that many are evacuating other areas of Rafah as well.

On Friday, Isralei tanks surrounded the eastern part of Rafah after they took over the main road that divides the city. During the operation, three IDF soldiers sustained moderate wounds when a booby-trapped tunnel shaft they had discovered exploded.