DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s military on Monday issued sweeping evacuation orders covering Rafah and nearby areas, indicating it could soon launch another major ground operation in the Gaza Strip’s southernmost city.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said 140,000 people are impacted by the Israeli military's latest displacement orders, which indicate it could soon launch another major ground operation in Gaza's southernmost city.

Israel's military on Monday ordered residents of Rafah and nearby villages in southern Gaza to evacuate immediately, citing plans to resume operations "with great force" against militant groups in the area.

By Adam Rasgon and Ameera Harouda Adam Rasgon reported from Jerusalem, and Ameera Harouda reported from Doha, Qatar The Israeli military issued a sweeping evacuation order for the southern Gaza Strip on Monday,

The military order came during the Muslim holiday of Eid, and almost a year after Israel launched a devastating invasion of the city bordering Egypt.

The Israeli military on Monday issued sweeping evacuation orders covering most of Rafah, indicating it could soon launch another major ground operation in the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip. Israel ended its ceasefire with the Hamas militant group and renewed its air and ground war earlier this month.