Jerusaleim, Ap 26: Israel is poised to commence evacuating civilians from Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, in anticipation of a planned ground attack. The evacuation is slated to begin "soon," pending final approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as per the Israeli Kan TV report cited by Xinhua news agency.
Earlier discussions held by the country's wartime cabinet and security cabinet on Thursday centered around the possibility of an assault on Rafah, previously deemed a "safe zone" amidst Israeli bombardments, where approximately 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.
Among the topics deliberated were efforts to advance a ceasefire agreement that would facilitate the release of over 100 hostages held in Gaza.
While plans for an attack were approved by Netanyahu in late March, the execution order remains pending.
However, the United Nations has cautioned against any ground operation in Rafah, emphasizing the potential catastrophic consequences for civilians.
