The Israeli army has massed dozens of tanks and armored vehicles along the border with the southern Gaza Strip in what appears to be preparations for an invasion of the border town of Rafah. This was reported by an Associated Press journalist who saw the movement of military vehicles today near the Israeli Kerem Shalom crossing, near Rafah.
After today’s two-and-a-half-hour Israeli war cabinet meeting and another limited war cabinet meeting, a senior official told Ynet in the evening that “there is no contradiction between an operation in Rafah and an agreement for the return of hostages.” “The closer we get to Rafah, the more Egyptian involvement naturally increases.
They have a direct connection with the Gaza Strip and are crucial to the future of the Strip.” The source clarified: “We are headed to Rafah without a doubt. There is hope that the Egyptian road will develop in positive directions. We will have to try in every way. Egyptians have been participating in mediation for a long time. Now they are very motivated, because they want an agreement.”
The Israeli official’s revelations come as media reports that Israel has abandoned its earlier demand that at least 40 hostages be released as part of a possible deal.
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