The Israeli army has informed Washington and relief organizations of a plan to begin evacuating residents of Gaza from Rafah ahead of a military incursion, according to Politico. The report states that the Israeli army recently notified the U.S. government and ground-based aid organizations that they have devised a plan to relocate people from Rafah, a primary humanitarian center in the region, to the Mawasi area, a small strip of land in the south. It was noted that the Israeli army sent a map of the area to relief workers this week.
On the other hand, the White House denied having been briefed on a comprehensive Israeli plan for an impending military operation in Rafah, Gaza. In this context, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Washington has not been made aware of a full plan regarding Israel's military operation considerations in Rafah. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby mentioned earlier this week that the United States has not yet seen any indication that Israel has a plan to ensure the safety of Rafah residents.
The Wall Street Journal revealed that Israel has informed Hamas that it has one week to agree to a hostage deal, otherwise military operations in Rafah will commence. The report indicated that Hamas is seeking a long-term ceasefire and guarantees from the United States that Israel will adhere to the truce. Israel is awaiting Hamas's response to a proposed ceasefire suggested by Egyptian mediators, which could lead to the release of some of the 133 hostages still held in Gaza.
The Biden administration has repeatedly urged Israel to avoid invading Rafah unless there is a plan to protect civilians displaced there. International officials warned on Friday against the Israeli forces carrying out their threat to invade Rafah, with one stating that such an operation could be a "massacre," while another referred to the emergency plan regarding the operation as merely a "band-aid." Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, expressed that "an incursion in Rafah could be a 'massacre' and a huge blow to the entire relief effort in Gaza."
