Israel’s Plan to Evacuate Palestinian Civilians Ahead of Potential Operation in Gaza City of Rafah Sparks Concerns

The Biden administration has warned Israel of potential consequences if it moves forward with a military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah without a credible plan to safeguard civilians. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to carry out the operation, President Joe Biden and other western officials have expressed concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and worsening the humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations humanitarian aid agency has warned that hundreds of thousands of people in Rafah could be at imminent risk of death if Israel proceeds with the assault. The city is a critical entry point for humanitarian aid and is currently filled with displaced Palestinians living in densely packed tent camps.

While Israel has briefed US officials on a plan to evacuate Palestinian civilians ahead of the operation, the Biden administration has emphasized the importance of protecting innocent lives. CIA director William Burns arrived in Egypt to help negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, with hopes of averting the Rafah operation.

Hamas is considering a proposal for a cease-fire and hostage release put forward by US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators. However, Israel continues to move forward with its planning for the operation as a tactic to pressure Hamas to finalize the deal.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called the latest proposal for a cease-fire “extraordinarily generous” and urged all parties to act swiftly. The situation remains tense as negotiations continue, with the fate of innocent civilians hanging in the balance.