Israel Presented egypt a Plan to Establish Tent Cities in Rafah for Military Operation

Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that Israel has proposed a plan to Egypt involving the establishment of extensive tent cities in Rafah. These tent cities would accommodate residents who are to be evicted in preparation for an expansion of the military operation against Hamas in and around the city.

The plan, which is said to be based on funding from the US and Gulf countries, includes the creation of 15 camps, each capable of housing approximately 25,000 people, along with the provision of field hospitals. Government officials in Cairo have indicated that Egypt would oversee the establishment of these tent cities.

However, both the Prime Minister's office in Israel and the Egyptian government have refrained from responding to these reports.

Denial of Peace Agreement Cancellation Rumors by Egypt

In response to reports suggesting that Egypt might consider canceling the peace agreement with Israel, Egypt's Foreign Minister, Sameh Shukri, has firmly denied these claims. Shukri emphasized that Egypt has upheld the peace agreement and fulfilled its obligations over the past 40 years. He reiterated Egypt's commitment to maintaining the agreement as long as reciprocity continues.

US State Department's Stance on Talks and Military Operation in Rafah

Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US State Department, stated at a press conference that tonight's attack in Rafah should not affect ongoing talks on a deal with Hamas. Miller emphasized that Israel's military operation in Gaza is ongoing, and new attacks should not disrupt negotiations. He also noted that the US does not support a military operation in Rafah without addressing the needs of the displaced population in the city, which numbers over one million.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly protested against sanctions imposed on four settlers in a conversation with US President Joe Biden. Netanyahu described the sanctions as draconian and unjustified.

Prospects for Talks on Hostage Release in Egypt

There are growing indications in Israel that the head of the Mossad, along with a delegation, will depart for talks on a deal to release hostages in Egypt. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to decide on this matter shortly, following the presentation of a new position document aimed at bridging gaps with Hamas. The talks are expected to involve participation from key figures including CIA chief William Burns, Qatar Prime Minister Muhammad al-Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamal.

Condition of Freed Hostages and Hamas's Response

The health condition of the recently freed hostages, Louis Herr and Fernando Marman, remains stable, according to Dr. Yael Frankel Nir, the deputy director of the Sheba hospital. However, signs of prolonged captivity and lack of medical treatment during their time in captivity have been observed.

A senior Hamas official in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, has criticized Israel's proposal for the release of abductees, describing it as a withdrawal from previous agreements. Hamdan expressed skepticism about Israel's commitment to reaching an agreement, citing various barriers in the negotiations.

Concerns from the International Criminal Court

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, has expressed concern about the recent attack in Rafah and the potential entry of Israeli ground forces into the area. Khan emphasized the need for compliance with international law and called for the immediate release of all abductees.

Defense Minister Yoav Galant visited the Defense Forces and commended the efforts of the personnel involved in the operation to rescue the hostages from Rafah. The commander of the Anti-Terrorism Unit provided details about the operation, highlighting the cooperation of the abductees and the use of ropes for their extraction from the apartment where they were held.