The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have approved a plan to attack the final Hamas stronghold in Rafah, Gaza, near the Egyptian border. This decision comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit the region on Tuesday.
According to the IDF, the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, discussed and approved plans for the operation with the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command and other military commanders.
The U.S. has expressed opposition to the attack on Rafah, citing concerns for Palestinian civilians in the area. However, the U.S. has not provided an alternative strategy for removing Hamas from Gaza.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expects an Israeli attack on Rafah in the coming days unless the United States intervenes. Secretary Blinken is scheduled to visit the region and may try to dissuade Israel from carrying out the operation.
In the meantime, the U.S. Navy has arrived off the coast of Gaza to provide humanitarian aid, with IDF providing security onshore. Israel has hinted at potential delays in the attack on Rafah if Hamas agrees to release some hostages and make concessions.
Despite delays caused by opposition from the Biden administration, Israel remains determined to achieve victory in Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu has emphasized that once the Rafah operation begins, victory will be achievable in a matter of weeks.
