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| 'Green Light' for Attack on Rafa by Benjamin Netanyahu - Approves Army Plan |
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given the green light to the military's "action plans" preceding the assault on Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, as stated in a press release issued today.
According to the statement, "The Israeli army is fully prepared for the operational aspect and the evacuation of civilians from the designated area." However, no further specifics were provided regarding the long-anticipated operation, despite continuous warnings from the United States and the UN advising against its execution.
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| 'Green Light' for Attack on Rafa by Benjamin Netanyahu - Approves Army Plan |
Netanyahu has persistently pledged to continue the conflict until Hamas is eradicated and has frequently announced an imminent assault on Rafah, situated near the closed border with Egypt and home to approximately one and a half million Palestinians, according to the UN. In response, Washington has reiterated its opposition to any attack on Rafah, citing the risk it poses to civilians seeking refuge there.
"I will persist in resisting pressure. We will enter Rafah. We will fully dismantle Hamas battalions," Netanyahu reaffirmed on Thursday via the X social media platform.
Last month, the Israeli prime minister instructed the military to devise a plan for evacuating civilians from the area. The military presented this plan to the war cabinet in late February, although no details have been disclosed.
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| 'Green Light' for Attack on Rafa by Benjamin Netanyahu - Approves Army Plan |
During his visit to Vienna, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated today that he has not yet reviewed any plan from the Israelis, emphasizing that the United States is urging for a clear and feasible strategy.
Meanwhile, in Ramallah, the Palestinian Authority presidency voiced profound apprehension regarding the imminent Israeli military incursion in Rafah, warning of potential new massacres and displacement of the population, as reported by the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.
"The presidency appealed for prompt intervention by the US government and the international community to avert this military offensive," Wafa further states.
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| 'Green Light' for Attack on Rafa by Benjamin Netanyahu - Approves Army Plan |
The announcement regarding the approval of the army's plans for Rafah coincided with the anticipation of the resumption of hostage negotiations in Gaza. Today's announcement revealed that an Israeli delegation will be dispatched to Doha, Qatar, signaling a potential restart of the negotiations.
