Egypt has stated that it is not engaging in any discussions with Israel regarding a potential military operation in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Diya Rashwan, head of Egypt's state information service, made this statement.
"Egypt categorically denies having any contacts with Israel regarding its invasion of Rafah and reiterates that it remains categorically opposed to conducting a military operation in the town," Al-Qahira Al-Ikhbariya quoted him as saying. Rashwan added that Egypt believes military operation in Rafah would result in "huge losses among civilians and large-scale destruction," so Cairo has repeatedly warned Israel against taking such a step through all available channels.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) previously reported, citing Egyptian officials, that Israel plans to relocate civilians from Rafah to "humanitarian enclaves" in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip in the coming weeks, providing them with essential supplies and medical care. The report suggested that Israel would receive assistance from the US, Egypt, and other Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is preparing for the Rafah operation, emphasizing that achieving a final victory over Hamas would require entering Rafah with troops. Netanyahu announced plans for the operation on March 17 and confirmed approval of operational plans on March 31. The US has urged Israel to commence major operations in Rafah only after ensuring the evacuation and assistance of the population.
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Based on materials from TASS