Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on a recent operation in Rafah, emphasizing the precision and strategic nature of the mission. The operation targeted remaining Hamas battalions in the area while securing the crossing point.
Gallant and Blinken also discussed ongoing developments in Gaza, particularly the Israeli Defense Forces' operations against terror hotspots across the Strip. One key point of discussion was the urgent need to release 132 hostages held by Hamas, including the bodies of captives.
Concerns have been raised by senior US officials regarding a potential full-scale Israeli ground assault in Rafah, where a significant number of Palestinians have sought refuge from the recent bombardment. Rows of tent camps have been established along the city's border with Egypt, with over 1 million Palestinians affected by the conflict.
Earlier this month, the Israeli military issued relocation orders to Palestinians in Rafah, directing them to move to Al-Mawasi. However, human rights agencies have expressed concerns about the living conditions in the coastal town, deeming them unsuitable for habitation. As a result, approximately 360,000 individuals have left the area, facing uncertainty and lack of safety.
The situation in Rafah remains tense, with international attention focused on the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.
