Israel says Rafah attack imminent

Cairo March 16, 2024 (QJ) -The Israeli government approved on Friday an attack on the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, amid plans to send another delegation to Qatar for talks aimed at reaching an agreement on a ceasefire and a prisoner swap.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that they had approved a plan to target the city, situated in the southernmost part of the territory, where more than 2.3 million people have taken refuge as a result of a five-month-long conflict.

International allies and critics urged Netanyahu to halt the assault on Rafah, warning of potential civilian casualties. However, Israel insisted Rafah was Hamas’ last stronghold and vowed to continue its offensive to rid the militants.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby, stated that the US did not see the Rafah attack plan but expressed interest.

Hamas has revealed a proposal for a Gaza ceasefire to intermediaries, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which includes the release of Israeli hostages, to free Palestinian prisoners, 100 of whom are serving life sentences, according to a Hamas proposal seen by Reuters.

A statement from Netanyahu’s office regarding the Hamas proposal said it was unrealistic, but Israel’s delegation would head to Doha after the Israeli government’s war cabinet discusses the matter.