Israel issued a harsh warning in light of rising tensions in West Asia and concerns about the ongoing fight between the Israeli forces and Hamas that are affecting Rafah, which is home to some refugee camps, before starting a floor offensive in the “land harbor” between Gaza and Egypt, according to the Times of Israel.
Conversations between Israeli officers and a senior Iranian group about the government’s feared and anticipated unpleasant in Rafah and efforts to end a prisoner deal with Hamas came to an end on Friday.
The Israeli daily reported that Israel warned that this was Israel’s “last prospect” for reaching a truce before Israel began its long-planned assault.
The discussions were “very good, focused, held in great souls and progressed in all guidelines”, a senior Israeli national said, the Times of Israel reported.
According to an official who was a part of the debate with the Iranian group, “in the context, there are very serious purposes from Israel to move forward in Rafah,” and that the Egyptians appeared to be prepared to put pressure on Hamas to reach a settlement.
According to CNN, the Egyptian delegation is currently in Israel trying to move forward with the stalled negotiations to free the hostages and establish a ceasefire in Gaza.
Egypt is worried about the ramifications of a full- scale Israeli offensive in Rafah, near its border, where, in recent months, about a million Palestinians have fled and sought sanctuary.
Despite months of negotiations facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, disagreements over fundamental goals have prevented Hamas and Israel from reaching an agreement, according to the report.
Earlier, on March 15, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he had approved the military’s plan for an operation in Rafah, where most of Gaza’s population, fleeing the ongoing conflict, has sought refuge.
” Victory ]over Hamas ] requires entering Rafah and eliminating the terrorist battalions there. This will happen. There is a date”, Netanyahu said in a video statement, later, while not revealing the timing of the planned operation.
Strong international opposition has been encountered by the intention to carry out a significant offensive in Rafah, especially from the US. Apparently, strained relations and allegations reportedly contributed to a recent video conference between American and Israeli officials to ward off the possibility of an IDF ground operation in Rafah.
According to The Times of Israel, Washington expressed doubts about Israel’s plans to launch operations in the southernmost city of Gaza.
Netanyahu argued that an operation in the city was necessary for victory.
The Israeli prime minister said,” We are constantly working toward our goal,” adding that Hamas ‘ victory would be “in particular” with the release of all of our hostages.
