Israel announced on Friday its intention to dispatch a delegation to Qatar for renewed discussions on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. This decision keeps slim hopes for a truce alive, despite the rejection of a long-awaited counter-offer from Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also confirmed his approval of a plan for a potential assault on Rafah, a city located on the southern border of the Gaza Strip, where more than half of the region’s 2.3 million inhabitants are seeking refuge. However, the office did not specify a timeframe for such a military action.
Negotiators were unable to secure a ceasefire agreement for the Gaza conflict ahead of the Ramzan holy month, resulting in a setback this week. Nevertheless, both Washington and Arab mediators remain committed to brokering a deal to prevent an Israeli offensive on Rafah and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to prevent widespread starvation.
On a positive note, the first ship carrying food aid arrived off the Gaza coast on Friday morning. An aid agency reported that preparations are underway to construct a temporary jetty for unloading the aid. Despite these efforts, Israel reiterated its stance that in the absence of a ceasefire agreement, it will continue to advance its military plans.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has given the green light for actions in Rafah. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) is making operational preparations and arrangements for the evacuation of civilians,” stated Netanyahu’s office.
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