Israel: Signs indicate Israel preparing for imminent Rafah operation
There is growing evidence of an imminent IDF operation into the town of Rafah. In the past couple of days, satellite imagery revealed the construction of several new tent compounds in southern Gaza and the IDF has mobilized two northern reserve brigades into the Gaza Strip.
In a Passover public address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to “land additional and painful blows” upon Hamas in order to “increase the military and diplomatic pressure” on the terror organization to release all of the hostages.
Israel Defense Forces also announced on Sunday that Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi had approved battle plans for the Rafah operation.
On Monday, the Israeli news channel Kan Reshet Bet reported that Israel is about to significantly expand humanitarian areas in the Gaza Strip ahead of the expected ground operation.