Rafah military operation expected to conclude in two weeks, say Israeli officials
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in this handout picture released on December 14, 2023. (Reuters Photo)
Israeli security officials have stated that the military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah is expected to conclude within approximately two weeks.
According to a report from Israel’s state television channel, KAN, citing unnamed officials, the Rafah operation could end in as little as two weeks or, at worst, a few weeks. The officials highlighted that any necessary actions to be taken if an agreement is not reached before the operation concludes will be determined by political leaders.
The report indicated that the second phase of the Gaza war is nearing its end, but new steps need to be taken to prevent the operation from turning from a success into a failure. It emphasized the presence of hostages in Gaza and the lack of a viable alternative to Hamas, stressing the need for a regional political plan before the second phase ends.
Despite the conclusion of military activities, Israel plans to maintain control over the Netzarim Corridor (which separates the north and south), the Philadelphia Corridor, and the Rafah Border Crossing.
In a separate report from Channel 12 Television, it was claimed that the Israeli army recommended ending the Rafah operation as soon as possible and suggested initiating a new operation on the Lebanese border.
On May 6, the Israeli army issued a warning to evacuate certain neighborhoods east of Rafah, where displaced Palestinians had taken refuge. The following day, on May 7, Israel launched a ground assault on Rafah, capturing the Gaza side of the border crossing with Egypt.
Since the operation began on May 7, the Rafah Border Crossing, which is Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world apart from Israel, has remained closed. The closure of this crossing significantly impacts the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which faces severe food shortages.
The ongoing military operations and the closure of the Rafah Border Crossing continue to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.
