US agrees to Israel’s Rafah plan to avert Iran strike

Egyptian sources reported to a Qatari news channel that the U.S. had agreed to Israel’s proposal to conduct a military operation in Rafah, Gaza, instead of launching a major strike on Iran, following Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone assault. However, a spokesperson from the U.S. National Security Council denied these claims, stating that no such agreement was ever discussed.

According to the report, the U.S. had shown preliminary approval for an Israeli military action in Rafah, a plan initially proposed by the Israeli government. This plan was purportedly in exchange for forgoing a large-scale retaliation against Iran.

The report also indicated that preparations are being made by Egypt to handle any potential fallout from the operation in Rafah. The city is currently a significant hub for Hamas, with four of its battalions stationed there, and is believed to be a shelter for over a million civilians who have fled other conflict zones within Gaza. It’s also speculated to be a hideout for Hamas leaders and potentially some Israeli hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mentioned multiple times that plans for an operation in Rafah have been approved, and recently stated that a specific launch date has been set.