Israel’s military has announced that it plans to move 1.4 million Palestinians to “humanitarian islands” in the middle of Gaza because it launches the operation in Rafah.
Rafah has been a major bone of contention between Israel and the Western world, with countries like the US worries that such an offensive would lead to a catastrophic situation as Rafah is also Gaza’s main entry point for desperately needed aid.
The Israeli government has said that it would carry out the offensive in an aim to destroy Hamas following the militants’ October 7 attack in which about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and around 250 taken hostage and brought into Gaza. Over 31,000 Palestinians have died in the Israeli offensive so far.
Israel’s chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said moving those in Rafah to the designated areas with international actors was a key part of the military’s preparations for its anticipated invasion of Rafah, the AP reported.
The army spokesperson said that they would move all or most of the 1.4 million people to the islands, Hagari said. These spots would provide temporary housing, food and other essentials.
Hamas official Mohammad Nazzal told Al Jazeera that though things are at a standstill, he was hoping that the mediators would work to try and advance the agreement.
“The negotiations have not stopped. It has reached an impasse in recent days, but Qatar and Egypt are working hard to continue it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said that the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel was not close.
The Qatari government, however, said that it was hopeful that both sides would be able to seal the deal in days to come.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said that the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel was not close.
The Qatari government, however, said that it was hopeful that both sides would be able to seal the deal in days to come.
In November, Qatar helped to negotiate a weeklong truce, which saw Hamas release 105 hostages, mostly women and children in exchange for Palestinians languishing in Israeli jails.
