Preparations for operation a Rafah in the far south of the Gaza Strip are ongoing in Israel, with reports indicating that the operation is expected to begin “very soon”. A senior Israeli security official informed Reuters that the Israeli army is fully prepared to launch the operation in Rafah and is awaiting political approval to proceed.

The plan for the ground offensive in Rafah has been presented to American officials and other agencies in the region, with the Israeli broadcaster Kan reporting that it will be carried out in phases, dividing the city into defined areas. Before advancing into each area, the army (IDF) will inform the population so that civilians can evacuate shelters and homes in time.

The armed forces have mobilized two brigades of reservists to return to southern Gaza and continue the defense and attack mission in the Strip under the command of the 99th Division. Additionally, two reserve brigades are being moved from northern Israel to the border with Lebanon.

The IDF has approved the latest plan for the Rafah operation, despite previous suggestions for three different plans. The US government has expressed opposition to the operation in the far south of Gaza without a credible plan to protect civilians, but Israeli officials are adamant that entering Rafah is necessary to complete the mission and potentially address the issue of hostages.

Axios reported that three senior Israeli officials visited Egypt to discuss the upcoming offensive. They met with the head of Cairo’s intelligence and other key officials to address concerns about entering Rafah, where many displaced Palestinians reside after fleeing other areas of the Strip due to bombings. Egypt, which borders Rafah, has warned Israel against entering the city due to the potential impact on civilians.