The agency stated that military operations could result in high civilian casualties and the destruction of already limited services and infrastructure, leaving children "on the edge of survival" and many already displaced multiple times with nowhere else to go.

The population of Rafah has soared to 1.2 million people, half of whom are children.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed concern over the impact of over 200 days of war in Gaza, particularly on children.

Rafah, a city in Gaza, has seen its population nearly double to nearly one million people, with 78,000 infants under two and 175,000 children under five living there.

These children are already weakened physically and mentally, and a large-scale military operation could bring chaos and panic.

UNICEF called for a ceasefire and safe access for humanitarian organizations, as there are concerns about the spread of infectious diseases among the children.

The conflict in Gaza began following Hamas's unprecedented actions in October.

A seven-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in at least 34,735 deaths, including over 14,000 children, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to send ground troops into Rafah, despite international concerns and truce talks.

Hamas officials have warned that any Israeli operation in Rafah would jeopardize the truce and result in consequences.

The US and other countries have expressed concern over the potential escalation, with Hamas accusing them of complicity in the violence.

Hamas has vowed to defend Palestinians in Rafah and warned that any offensive would not be easy for Israeli forces.

Aid agencies have issued warnings that the evacuation order for the Gaza Strip's crowded coastal enclave of 2.3 million people, which is currently experiencing seven months of war, could lead to a humanitarian disaster.

The evacuation would force 1 million displaced Palestinians from Rafah to leave without a safe destination, according to British charity ActionAid.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing violence, with bombs exploding near the Rafah crossing into Egypt and heavy gunfire.

A British surgeon attempting to leave Gaza reported bombs going off outside the crossing and uncertainty about their ability to escape.

The tension in Rafah is high as people evacuate as quickly as possible.

Witnesses warn of impending disaster in Rafah, a crowded area in Gaza where Israel plans to move people due to security concerns.

Thousands of Palestinians, including displaced people and Hamas fighters, live in the area.

Israel believes Rafah harbors potential hostages and threatens to launch incursions to take control.

Palestinians fear a catastrophic situation and call for intervention from the Arab world to prevent a ceasefire.

Israel sees victory as impossible without taking Rafah.