US Officials Do Not Expect Israeli Forces to Enter Rafah at the Beginning of Ramadan

The Biden administration has been informed by two US officials that Israeli forces are not expected to immediately expand their military operations into Rafah. This news comes as the holy month of Ramadan is about to begin for most Muslims on Monday.

During his visit to Washington last week, Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has been warning in recent weeks. He stated that if a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal is not reached by Ramadan, the Israeli military will proceed with the next phase of its war against Hamas. This may involve a significant incursion into Rafah in southern Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his intention to send the military into Rafah, regardless of any deal. In an interview with German outlet Axel Springer on Sunday, Netanyahu emphasized that they would not leave Gaza. He mentioned a red line, referring to the importance of preventing a recurrence of the events on October 7.

In a Saturday MSNBC interview, President Joe Biden mentioned an operation into Rafah as a "red line." Netanyahu was referring to Biden's comments, where he expressed concern about the potential for more Palestinian casualties. Biden emphasized the importance of avoiding further loss of life, stating, "It cannot have 30,000 more Palestinians dead."

Netanyahu mentioned in an interview with Politico and German media outlet Bild on Sunday that the operation targeting Hamas in Rafah would not exceed two months, although he did not give exact details on the timeline.

He stated, "Once we start taking strong action to eliminate the Hamas terrorist groups in Rafah, it will likely take a few weeks, possibly a couple of months. So, it should be completed within two months, maybe even sooner, like six weeks or four."

This weekend, the Biden administration has not received any humanitarian or evacuation plan from the Israeli government to protect civilians in Rafah before starting a military operation there, according to two US officials.

In Rafah, over a million people are living in a crowded tent city near the Egyptian border, the only relatively safe area for Palestinians escaping the north and central parts of Gaza. Families are facing shortages of food, water, medicine, and shelter, along with the constant fear of violence.

The United Nations aid chief has expressed concern that a ground invasion in Rafah could result in a "slaughter."

Negotiators have been working hard to reach a deal before Ramadan. This deal would involve a six-week ceasefire and the release of some Israeli hostages taken on October 7. However, it seems like a breakthrough is not imminent.

CIA Director Bill Burns, who has been leading US efforts, recently visited the Middle East to meet with officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Israel.

President Biden shared with reporters on Friday that the temporary ceasefire deal he had hoped would be reached before Ramadan was now facing challenges.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Ramadan approached, with Israel issuing warnings of a potential military offensive in an area where around 1.5 million Palestinians reside.

Recently, the Biden White House has firmly stated that Israel needs to provide a plan ensuring the protection of civilians in Rafah before moving forward with a full-scale escalation of the conflict in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. US officials have cast doubt on the feasibility of guaranteeing civilian safety in such a densely populated area.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby mentioned in a White House press briefing that the US will not back an offensive into Rafah until the Biden administration reviews a plan to protect refugees seeking shelter in the city.

This report includes contributions from CNN's Mitchell McCluskey and Michelle Shen.

Editor's P/S:

The Biden administration's caution in supporting Israel's planned military expansion into Rafah is a welcome step