Reports from sources in the Gaza Strip indicate that the IDF has initiated a ground operation in the eastern neighborhoods of Rafah and deployed Israeli tanks in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
According to Palestinian sources, there were disruptions in mobile communications and the internet before the start of the operation in Rafah. Sources also reported power outages.
A statement from the office of the Prime Minister's office reads: "The War Cabinet has unanimously decided to continue Israel's operation in Rafah to exert military pressure on Hamas, facilitate the release of our hostages, and achieve other strategic objectives. Simultaneously, despite the disparity between Hamas' proposal and Israel's essential demands, Israel will send a delegation to negotiate, seizing the opportunity to reach an agreement on terms acceptable to Israel."
The Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson's Unit confirmed that the IDF is targeting Hamas terrorist infrastructure and militants in the eastern neighborhoods of Rafah.
