This episode contains strong language and descriptions of war.

After months of telling residents in the Gaza Strip to move south for safety, Israel now says it plans to invade Rafah, the territory’s southernmost city. More than a million people are effectively trapped there without any clear idea of where to go.

Two Gazans describe what it is like to live in Rafah right now.

Guest: Ghada al-Kurd and Hussein Owda, who are among more than a million people sheltering in Rafah.

Background reading: 

• Israel’s allies and others have warned against an offensive, saying that the safety of the civilians who have sought shelter in the far south of Gaza is paramount.
• Palestinians in Rafah described a “night full of horror” as Israeli strikes pummeled the area during an Israeli hostage rescue operation.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.