Claim from Israeli press: “Israel’s military operation is very close” – Last Minute World News

Israel’s widely circulated newspaper, Israel Hayom, wrote that the Rafah evacuation, which has been postponed for several weeks due to disagreements with Washington, will take place “very soon”, referring to a decision taken by the Israeli government after the ceasefire talks with Hamas were blocked.

Several other Israeli media outlets published similar reports. Some shared images on social media showing a tent city being set up for those evacuated from Rafah.

There was no statement on the issue from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office or the Israeli military spokesman.

WELFARE POPULATION IS WORRIED

The population of Rafah, located on the Egyptian border, has increased thanks to more than a million Palestinians who have fled other parts of the Gaza Strip during more than half a year of war.

Although Israel, which is under pressure due to the increasing civilian casualties of the war, has promised to take measures to protect civilians in Rafah, civilian deaths occur every week in Rafah.

Netanyahu’s government claims Rafah hosts four major Hamas combat battalions, which are reinforced by thousands of the militant group’s retreating fighters.

The Netanyahu government states that victory in the Gaza war, which started after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, will not be possible without taking Rafah, completely destroying Hamas, and returning the hostages held there to Israel.

“SHAME AND DEFEAT”

Hamas, on the other hand, did not comment on the upcoming Rafah operation. Hamas leader Ismail Haniye met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on April 21. Ceasefire negotiations are ongoing in Qatar.

Speaking on Tuesday to mark the 200th day of the war, Hamas’ military spokesman Abu Obeida said Israel had achieved only “shame and defeat” in the operation, which health officials in Gaza say has led to the deaths of more than 34 thousand Palestinians.

According to Israeli figures, Hamas killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 253 people on October 7. The Israeli army says that 262 Israeli soldiers died in the ground operation that captured most of the Gaza Strip.