Israel's Preparations for Invasion of Rafah, Gaza Strip: A Comprehensive Overview
The Israeli military has been making significant preparations for an invasion of the border city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. According to various sources, dozens of tanks and armored vehicles have been amassed along Israel's border with Gaza.
The primary objective behind this invasion is to break the impasse in hostage negotiations with Hamas and eliminate the last large Hamas contingent in Rafah. The IDF has reportedly killed several terrorists and destroyed terrorist infrastructure within its corridor splitting off northern Gaza from the rest of the Gaza Strip over recent months.
Moreover, since April 7, approximately 150,000-200,00 Israeli civilians have left Rafah due to the impending invasion. The IDF aims to evacuate more civilians as part of its military strategy. Thousands of Palestinians have already fled Rafah and set up tent cities in Khan Yunis, al-Muwasi, and central Gaza.
The Israeli military has reportedly destroyed rocket launching platforms and ammunition warehouses in northern Gaza following Hamas rocket fire against IDF troops. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has also targeted terrorist infrastructure in the Shati area of northern Gaza.
Israeli officials have resumed cease-fire talks after months of diplomacy stalemate, but fighting in Gaza may resume over Rafah due to mounting domestic pressure for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Egypt has presented a new proposal to prevent a Rafah invasion.
The Israeli military offensive in Rafah is not an inevitable outcome, as negotiations and diplomacy efforts are ongoing. However, Israel's preparations suggest that an invasion could be imminent.