AGI – Gli United States would have decided to let Israel attacks Rafah in exchange for a commitment from the Netanyahu government to not respond to Iran on a large scale triggering an unpredictable expansion of the conflict in the Middle East. The Israeli press reports this, citing the Qatari press, whose sources are Egyptian. “The US administration has shown that it accepts the plan previously presented by the occupying government regarding the military operation in Rafah, in exchange for refusing to carry out a large-scale attack against Iran,” Al-Jadeed told Al-Araby an anonymous source.
Preparations are therefore already underway for Egypt to deal with the possible impacts of the planned operation near its borders. According to the Times of Israel, four Hamas battalions are reportedly stationed in Rafah along with over a million civilians who have taken refuge there after fleeing fighting in other parts of the Strip. It is believed that Rafah is also the place where Hamas leaders are hiding, perhaps together with Israeli hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said he has approved plans for an operation in Rafah and more recently said a date for the launch has been decided, but has so far been held back by international allies and particularly the United States.
According to the American broadcaster ABC, which cites a US source, Israel will not attack Iran before Passover. This year’s calendar of “Pesach”, the Jewish Easter, foresees that it will begin on the evening of April 22nd and end on the 30th of the month. According to the source cited by the media, however, this information also depends on the development of the situation on the ground.
Qatar rejects the accusations and threatens to withdraw from the truce negotiations
The Qatar rejects accusations, especially from Israel, of holding up negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and is considering withdrawing from his role as mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli press reports it. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani, we read on Yedioth Ahronoth, said that his country is “reconsidering” its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas in the negotiations for an agreement for the release of the 133 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza Strip, since this role “has been exploited by some politicians for their private interests.”
Even without naming him, Al Thani was probably referring to the Israeli government, in particular Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Economy Minister Nir Barkat who accuses Doha of financing Hamas, while, on the contrary, Qatar believes that the financing of the Gaza terrorist group it happened precisely at Netanyahu’s behest. According to Hamas, the delay in negotiations is due to the United States “having fully adopted the Israeli position”. On the other hand, Israel believes that the US mediators do not put enough pressure on the counterpart, namely the mediator Qatar. The stalled negotiations are mainly due to Israel’s refusal of Hamas’ request to commit to a complete cessation of fighting; Another obstacle to the agreement is the plan to return Gazans to the northern Gaza Strip, on which no compromise can be found.
