Washington: Amidst mounting tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, a top US general has stepped forward with an alternative approach to Israel’s potential military offensive in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza currently sheltering over one million displaced individuals fleeing from other parts of the Strip.
Israel’s hinted intention to launch an assault on Rafah, deemed the last Hamas stronghold, with plans to dismantle four battalions in the southern Gaza enclave, has raised concerns among the US and other Western nations regarding the anticipated fallout, particularly civilian casualties.
General Charles Q Brown Jr, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, has advocated for a multifaceted strategy to address the situation. As reported by The Times of Israel, the proposed plan entails securing Gaza’s border with Egypt to thwart weapon smuggling, isolating Rafah with targeted raids, and establishing a joint control room to coordinate these operations effectively. Additionally, the plan emphasizes ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery to Rafah and facilitating the safe evacuation of civilians from the area.
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Expressing a firm stance against mass civilian casualties, the top general underscores the US’s refusal to tolerate such outcomes, particularly in light of the significant civilian toll already witnessed in north and central Gaza.
This alternative proposal has garnered attention following Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s recent visit to Washington.
Earlier attempts at diplomatic discussions were stymied when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled a visit by a senior Israeli delegation to Washington. This move followed the US’s abstention from a UN Security Council vote on a resolution advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.
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Efforts to reschedule the diplomatic meeting are reportedly underway, as indicated by a statement from a US official, as per The Times of Israel.
Amid growing international scrutiny, Israel continues to face criticism over its lethal offensive in the Gaza Strip, initiated in response to a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October of the previous year. With casualties surpassing 32,000 individuals, according to the Palestinian health ministry, the conflict’s toll on civilian lives underscores the urgency for diplomatic initiatives and alternative strategies to mitigate further loss.
