Israeli troops are actively preparing for a key phase of the military campaign in the Gaza Strip, focusing on the city of Rafah. The delay in the operation was due to diplomatic efforts with Egypt and the United States. Initially, in December, the IDF hoped to be able to successfully evacuate some 1.4 million Palestinian Arabs in Rafah, but the task proved difficult.
Maariv writes about this.
The Rafah incursion is expected to raise concerns in Cairo as Palestinian Arabs may try to infiltrate Egypt. At the same time, the West and the United States are expressing concern about the high potential for casualties as a result of the operation.
However, the key question becomes where Palestinian Arabs will go after the evacuation. Three options are being considered: al-Mawasi, Khan Yunis and the center of Gaza. Each option is associated with certain difficulties, and the final decision will be made depending on the development of events.
IDF officials note that the operation in Rafah will be similar to the Battle of Khan Yunis, with the city divided into sectors, airstrikes and maneuvering of ground forces. It is estimated that the operation may take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the evacuation of citizens.
Although civilians will have to temporarily leave their homes, the IDF assures that this is a necessary measure to ensure the safety and effective conduct of the operation. The security forces express confidence in the possibility of a quick and successful completion of the stage in Rafah.
Earlier, Kursor wrote that Hamas spoke out about the IDF operation in Rafah.
