The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said it is “not evacuating” eastern Rafah after Israel’s military urged residents to leave parts of Gaza’s southernmost city.

In a statement on Monday, UNRWA said it “will maintain presence in Rafah as long as possible and will continue providing lifesaving aid to people.”

Israel’s had on Sunday issued an evacuation orders in Gaza ahead of military operations have been met with criticism from the UN and humanitarian groups, which have repeatedly said there is no safe space in the enclave for people to flee to.

The UNRWA statement added that an Israeli offensive in Rafah “would mean more civilian suffering and deaths,” and the consequences would be devastating for the over 1.4 million people.

According to UNRWA media director, Wael Abu Omar, Maintained that Rafah Land Crossing has not been closed to passenger traffic noting that Truck movement and aid entry have been halted at the Rafah commercial and Kerem Shalom crossings since yesterday afternoon.

MON/CNN/AYO

Hezekiah Agbeoluwaye