Benjamin Netanyahu has given the green light for a military operation in Rafah as aid ships arrive in Gaza. The region currently faces displacement of over a million people.
Negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which had stalled, are anticipated to resume in Qatar soon, possibly as early as Sunday, as per Egyptian sources.
These talks are significant as they would involve direct participation from Israeli officials and Hamas leaders, marking the first such engagement since Ramadan began. International mediators had aimed to broker a six-week truce before Ramadan commenced, but Hamas insisted on a permanent ceasefire, a condition Israel opposed.
In recent developments, both sides have shown a willingness to re-engage in discussions that had never fully halted.
Hamas has presented a new proposal outlining a three-stage plan to end hostilities, as disclosed by Egyptian officials familiar with the matter. The initial phase involves a six-week ceasefire, accompanied by the release of hostages held by Gaza militants in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Additionally, Hamas would release female soldiers in return for prisoners held by Israel, while Israeli forces would withdraw from specific Gaza areas, facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians and the flow of aid.
The subsequent phases entail declaring a permanent ceasefire, followed by the exchange of remaining hostages for prisoners. The final phase involves the release of bodies held by Hamas in exchange for the lifting of Gaza’s blockade and initiation of reconstruction efforts.
Despite deeming the proposal “unrealistic,” Netanyahu agreed to dispatch Israeli negotiators to Qatar for further discussions.
Meanwhile, preparations for a military operation in Rafah have been approved by Netanyahu’s government, aiming to target Hamas forces in the area where numerous displaced Palestinians seek shelter. While warnings have been issued by the United States and other nations against such an operation, Israel remains steadfast in its resolve to neutralize Hamas forces.
Plans for the Rafah operation include the evacuation of civilians, although specific details and timelines have not been disclosed. Additionally, the military intends to direct civilians to designated safe zones within central Gaza.
The United States has emphasized the necessity of a clear and implementable plan to protect innocent civilians in Rafah from potential harm during an Israeli incursion, underscoring the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, casualties from the conflict continue to rise, with thousands of Palestinians killed and a significant portion of the population displaced and facing severe humanitarian crises.
