JERUSALEM, May 6 (Reuters) - The Israeli military on Monday called on Palestinians in eastern parts of Rafah to move to a nearby “humanitarian area” in what appeared to be the beginning of a civilian evacuation ahead of a ground assault on the southern Gazan city.

A military statement said posters, text messages, phone calls and media announcements would be used to “encourage ... the gradual movement of civilians in the specified areas”. (Reporting by Dan Williams; Editing by Tom Hogue)