In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are gearing up to initiate a ground operation in Rafah, with preparations underway for a massive evacuation of over a million Palestinians from the region.
Reports from Kan 11, citing two American officials, suggest that the operation could commence in the coming weeks, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict.
According to the reports, Palestinians will be required to evacuate to tent complexes set up by international aid organizations within the next four to five weeks.
The plan for the Rafah operation has been meticulously laid out, with a regional division of the Gazan city into defined areas.
The IDF intends to advance in stages, ensuring that the local population is informed beforehand to facilitate their evacuation before each phase of the operation.
The IDF’s announcement on Wednesday revealed that two reserve brigades had been recruited to bolster the defense and attack mission in the Gaza Strip under the command of Division 99.
The 2nd Reserve Brigade of the 146th Division and the 679th Reserve Brigade of the 210th Division will be relocated from the North of Israel, near the Lebanon border, to the Gaza Strip.
Before their transfer, these brigades undergo intensive combat training in the North to prepare for their deployment. The approval of the latest plan for the Rafah operation by the IDF marks a critical juncture in the conflict.
Previous proposals were considered before the current plan received the green light at the beginning of the week. However, the US government has expressed firm opposition to any operation in Rafah that lacks a credible plan to protect civilians.
“We are preparing to establish a joint operation with the United States. We understand the concern, but we will not be able to complete the mission without entering Rafah, which could also help relieve pressure on the hostage issue,” an official stated, emphasizing the necessity of the operation.
Amidst the preparations for the Rafah operation, government officials are reportedly engaged in discussions regarding potential changes to Israel’s side of the hostage deal negotiations.
These discussions aim to ensure the advancement of the deal while addressing the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
The looming ground operation in Rafah signals a heightened escalation in the conflict between Israel and Gaza, with the potential to have far-reaching implications for the region.
As tensions continue to mount, the international community closely watches developments, urging all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and seek peaceful resolutions to the longstanding conflict.
The IDF’s meticulous planning and coordination with international partners underscore the gravity of the situation and the determination to address the challenges posed by the conflict.
However, the path forward remains uncertain, with the potential for further escalation or the resumption of diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
As the situation evolves, the world waits anxiously for updates on the ground operation in Rafah and the broader implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members