US Urged to Stop Israel From Attacking Rafah, Palestinian President Warns
GAZA — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a stark warning, stating that the US holds the power to prevent Israel from launching an attack on Rafah, the southern Gaza city currently sheltering over a million people.
Abbas, who oversees parts of the occupied West Bank, expressed concerns that any assault on Rafah could result in a mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, hinted that the incursion could be halted if a hostage deal was reached.
“The release of the hostages is our top priority,” Katz emphasized.
Despite ongoing negotiations facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, progress has been slow due to significant differences in the demands of Israel and Hamas. However, Hamas recently announced that they would dispatch representatives to Cairo to provide a response to the latest proposal.
Hamas is pushing for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from Gaza, while Israel is firm on its stance that Hamas must be eradicated in Gaza and all hostages must be freed.
While speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh, Abbas, whose Palestinian Authority does not have a presence in Gaza under Hamas control since 2007, made a plea for US intervention.
“The imminent threat lies in Israel’s potential attack on Rafah, where all Palestinians from Gaza have congregated,” Abbas warned.
He cautioned that even a minor strike on Rafah could trigger a mass exodus of the Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip, leading to what he deemed as “the biggest catastrophe in the Palestinian people’s history.”
Several Arab states, including Egypt, have voiced opposition to a large influx of Palestinian refugees fleeing the conflict, citing concerns over the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homeland.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to arrive in Riyadh later on Sunday for discussions with Abbas.
The US has reiterated its stance that it cannot support a large-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah without a credible plan to protect civilians from harm.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby disclosed that Israel had agreed to consider US concerns and opinions before proceeding with any action in Rafah.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed that its chief, Herzi Halevi, has approved plans to continue the conflict, with speculations indicating a focus on the Rafah operation.
Rafah currently shelters over half of Gaza’s population, with conditions in the overcrowded city already dire. Displaced residents have reported shortages of food, water, and medication.
Satellite images have revealed the construction of new tent encampments near the Gaza coast, west of Rafah and the heavily damaged city of Khan Younis. Reports suggest that these tents are being set up to accommodate individuals displaced from Rafah.
The conflict escalated when Hamas targeted Israeli communities near Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties and hostage situations. Israel responded with a campaign of airstrikes and ground operations, causing significant loss of life.
While the IDF has temporarily gained control of various parts of Gaza, tensions remain high. Palestinians displaced to southern Gaza have been unable to return to their homes, a key demand in ceasefire negotiations.
Deadly Israeli bombardments continue across Gaza, including in Rafah, as the conflict persists.
Egyptian officials have reportedly presented a new ceasefire proposal to Hamas, involving a period of calm leading to the release of hostages and an end to the war.
Hamas recently released proof-of-life videos of hostages, renewing hopes for their safe return.
With over a hundred hostages still believed to be in Gaza, the situation remains precarious as international efforts continue to seek a resolution to the conflict. — BBC
