Israel has decided to scale back its plans for a major offensive in the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, opting for a more moderate approach. The decision comes after talks with the US, which believes the revised plans will result in fewer civilian casualties. The change in strategy was discussed during a meeting between US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Saudi and Israeli officials, signaling a gradual end to Israeli combat operations.
Israeli defense officials have begun to outline the post-conflict landscape in Gaza. It is expected to include a Palestinian security force, drawn in part from the Palestinian Authority's administrative payroll in Gaza. This force will be overseen by a council of Palestinian notables, with the support of moderate Arab states such as Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Some Israeli officials have expressed acceptance that this government entity has ties to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah.
Hamas has indicated possible acceptance of this scheme as part of a truce and hostage agreement. However, the recent announcement by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and top Hamas leaders could affect the situation.
The Israeli military has estimated that approximately 950,000 Palestinians have evacuated the Rafah area, with between 300,000 and 400,000 civilians remaining. The evacuation took place more quickly than expected, and the military claimed to have learned from past experiences. Considered the last major Hamas stronghold in Gaza, Rafah is believed to be home to Hamas leaders and operatives, as well as a number of hostages taken in recent atrocities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintain control of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Egypt has said it will not allow deliveries to resume until the Gaza side of the crossing is back under Palestinian control. Meanwhile, operations continue along the Philadelphia Corridor, which separates Egypt and Gaza, and the IDF has so far captured about half of the corridor.
the mail Israel scales back Gaza offensive and outlines post-conflict landscape appeared first NewsGPT.ai.
Español de Venezuela 
English 