Israel’s intention to launch a “massive operation” in Rafah, a southern Gaza city, has raised alarm among some of its key allies. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and other leaders have expressed deep concerns about the potential military offensive, emphasizing the need for an immediate pause in fighting to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and ensure the safety of civilians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed plans for the offensive, stating that a detailed plan for civilian evacuation is underway.

The proposed offensive has faced opposition from the Biden administration, with President Biden labeling Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as “over the top.” There are growing concerns in Cairo that an Israeli operation in Rafah could pressure Egypt to open its border to Palestinian refugees, a move Egypt has been reluctant to make due to security concerns in the Sinai region and public perception issues.

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s commitment to humanitarian aid efforts while affirming support for the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Aid groups warn that a ground operation in Rafah would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, potentially constituting a violation of international law.

Hamas has cautioned that an Israeli offensive in Rafah could jeopardize ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire deal and hostage exchange. Meanwhile, Israel conducted a strike targeting a senior Hamas figure in Lebanon, and the Israeli military uncovered a tunnel used by Hamas beneath a UNRWA compound in Gaza City.

The conflict in Gaza has taken a devastating toll, with one in every 100 people in Gaza killed in the first 100 days of the war. The body of a 6-year-old girl, missing for 12 days after a family car was fired upon, was found, underscoring the human tragedy of the ongoing violence.

Source: Adapted from The Washington Post