Israeli Military Prepares for Potential Assault on Rafah Amid Rising Tensions
Israeli military officials have announced preparations for a potential assault on Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. The move comes as part of Israel’s efforts to target Hamas members believed to be entrenched in the area.
According to reports from the IDF, the military is gearing up for a large-scale operation aimed at rooting out remaining Hamas strongholds in Rafah. The operation is said to be focused on dismantling tunnels and infrastructure used by Hamas for launching attacks against Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to ensuring the security of its citizens, stating that military action in Rafah is necessary to neutralize the threat posed by Hamas. “We will not tolerate the presence of terrorist elements on our doorstep,” Netanyahu declared in a recent statement.
The impending assault on Rafah has raised concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and further escalation of violence in the region. The United Nations and international human rights organizations have called for restraint and urged all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians.
“We’re extremely worried about the fate of civilians in Rafah,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
In response to concerns about the potential mass displacement of Palestinians from the enclave, Egypt has deployed approximately 40 tanks and armored personnel carriers to northeastern Sinai in the past two weeks. This move is one of several measures aimed at enhancing security along its border with Gaza.
