The IDF has concentrated dozens of tanks and armored personnel carriers in southern Israel in preparation for the military operation in Rafah, the AP news agency reported on April 26. At the same time, it became known about progress in negotiations on an exchange deal through the mediation of Egypt, whose delegation visited Israel.
“The Egyptians have shown serious interest in putting pressure on Hamas in order to advance the deal. All this comes against the backdrop of Egyptian concerns about the operation in Rafah,” Israeli sources explained.
According to senior Israeli sources, they have made it clear to Egypt that they are serious about entering Rafah, and this is confirmed by the redeployment of forces and reservists. Israel also made it clear that Hamas has little time to think.
“We will not allow them to delay and manipulate in an attempt to delay the operation in Rafah, but we are ready to agree to a humanitarian deal for the release of 33 hostages,” Israel explained.
Despite reports of success in the Egyptian-brokered talks, it is unclear how effective they will be with Hamas, which continues to push for an end to the war. The Egyptians themselves do not have much faith that the negotiations will result in a deal, as an Egyptian source told the American newspaper The Wall Street Journal.
Meanwhile, a senior source in Israel said in an interview with KAN Reshet Bet radio that Israel has not yet launched an operation in Rafah only because of fears that its actions will affect the “legal front” and lead to an order for an immediate ceasefire, which was previously has already been threatened by the International Court of Justice in The Hague as part of its consideration of South Africa’s claim.
