At the same time, it is still unclear for senior US officials whether the Israel decides to move forward with a full-scale offensive, which they think would be a gesture of defiance against Biden, who had warned the Israeli leadership against such an operation, CNN reported in an article on Monday.
The Biden administration is also alarmed that Israel has not made any preparations for post-war governance of the enclave as it goes on achieving its goals on the battlefield, according to the report.
Last Monday, the IDF launched what it called a counterterrorist operation in the east of Rafah, on the border with Egypt, and took control of the Gaza side of the border crossing.
On Friday, Israeli media reported that Israel's military cabinet had approved expanding the ground operation. Israeli authorities say the operation is aimed at eliminating the remaining battalions of Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli regime forces stormed and seized control of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt last week. Dozens of civilians, including children, have been killed as jets continue to heavily bombard the southernmost city. Israeli ground troops are now pushing in from the east of Rafah, with fierce clashes raging between the army and the Palestinian resistance.
Israel has for months been promising an invasion of the city, which it says is Hamas’ final stronghold.
Last month, reports said Israel had been briefing Egypt on its plans for Rafah and that Cairo was involved in efforts to evacuate the city, which holds over a million besieged Palestinians, most of whom were displaced from other areas of Gaza.
RHM/PR
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