RAFAH, Gaza Strip (NEWSnet/AP) — Israel on Saturday ordered additional evacuations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, forcing tens of thousands more people to move.

It prepares to expand its operation and is moving into an area in northern Gaza, where Hamas has regrouped.

Israel has evacuated the eastern third of Rafah.

The order comes in the face of heavy international opposition and criticism. U.S. President Joe Biden said he will not provide offensive weapons to Israel for Rafah, and on Friday the U.S. said there is “reasonable” evidence Israel had breached international law.

For weeks, United Nations and other agencies have warnedthat an Israeli assault on Rafah would cripple humanitarian operations and cause a surge in civilian casualties.

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