U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that the United States has not yet witnessed Israel conducting a large military operation in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. During a briefing for reporters, Miller stated that the Israeli military operations in Rafah are not "on the scale or scope" of operations carried out elsewhere in Gaza. The U.S. official described the Israeli army's actions in Rafah as "more limited."
On the ground, the Israeli army expanded its ground incursion into western areas of Rafah on Thursday, targeting the areas of Tal al-Sultan and the Al-Alam roundabout near the Rafah coastline with intense air and artillery strikes. This new incursion into the western parts of the city resulted in dozens of casualties and injuries, with ambulance teams unable to reach those in need due to the intensification of fighting and clashes.
Ceasefire Negotiations
Miller had confirmed in a previous statement on Sunday that Washington believes any significant military operation in Rafah would weaken Israel's position in hostage negotiations with Hamas. He mentioned that Washington is still in communication with Israel regarding adjustments to the ceasefire proposal put forth by Hamas. He clarified that efforts are underway to finalize the text of the agreement, but this work is "extremely difficult."
