Reports continue to emerge discussing Israeli preparations for a ground invasion in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, which threatens a humanitarian disaster due to its overcrowding with a large number of displaced persons.
The Israeli Channel “12” reported that the occupation forces have begun preparations for a ground operation in southern Gaza, claiming it is preparing a plan to evacuate refugees should ceasefire negotiations with the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, collapse.
It added that in preparation for issuing the order for the future operation in Rafah and to evacuate civilians residing in Rafah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the purchase of 40,000 tents from China for Gaza.
The channel mentioned that the tents will be transported to the Gaza Strip upon arrival in Israel, and clear locations will be identified in the sector where the tents will be set up for the refugees.
The Israeli channel pointed out that these developments come despite opposition from the United States.
White House Communications Advisor John Kirby stated that the safety of one and a half million Gaza residents who have sought refuge in Rafah must be ensured.
Netanyahu retreats and decides to send a delegation to Washington
In a related context, a U.S. official stated that Israel has requested from the White House to schedule another high-level meeting to discuss its military plans in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.
This comes after Netanyahu canceled the planned talks following Washington‘s abstention from using its veto power in the Security Council on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The suspension of the meeting adds a new obstacle to the efforts by the United States to persuade Netanyahu to consider alternatives to the ground invasion of Rafah, the last relatively safe haven for Palestinian civilians, amidst growing concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Anticipated U.S.-Israeli meeting on Rafah
Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Karen Jean-Pierre stated: “We have agreed with the Prime Minister’s office to schedule another meeting specifically for Rafah… so we are working with them now to schedule a suitable date.”
An Israeli official in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that arrangements are being made for a new meeting, stating that Netanyahu is considering sending an Israeli delegation next week.
The expected discussions will likely focus on the impending attack that Israel threatens to launch on Rafah, where over a million Palestinian refugees seek shelter.