An Israeli military official announced that the ongoing operation in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah would persist “as planned,” following the collapse of negotiations for an Israel-Hamas truce held in Cairo, Egypt. The development was confirmed by the Israeli delegation after discussions with Hamas, the US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators. The talks aimed to cease hostilities and secure the release of hostages in Gaza.
Reports detailed the presence of numerous Israeli troops stationed along the border with Rafah. The fate of approximately 1.2 million internally displaced Palestinians in Rafah, where the operation is focused, remains uncertain.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet was slated to convene later on Thursday to deliberate on the continuation of the Rafah operation. This decision comes amidst US President Joe Biden’s announcement of a temporary halt on certain weapons shipments to Israel should the assault on Rafah escalate.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assured that they possess adequate armaments to sustain operations in Gaza, including the ongoing activity in Rafah. IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized that the IDF possesses the necessary resources for its planned operations, regardless of any adjustments in international support.
Hagari acknowledged the substantial security assistance provided by the US to Israel and the IDF, stressing the ability to address disagreements through diplomatic channels.
Comments