Rafah: The Israeli government has decided to suspend its plan to establish a detention camp for Palestinians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, as reported by local media. This initiative, which involved relocating hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to a so-called 'humanitarian city,' has been put on hold.
According to Anadolu Agency, the daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that a senior security official confirmed the suspension, stating, "There is no decision to move forward, and no alternative plan on the table." The official mentioned that political leaders had anticipated a potential hostage deal that would include a withdrawal from southern Gaza. However, it appears that the plan has been shelved for the time being.
The proposed plan aimed to relocate Gaza's entire population to Rafah, with further arrangements to facilitate their emigration to other countries. In light of the current situation, Israeli authorities have allegedly decided to increase the entry of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza, citing "disturbing images" from the enclave. Reports suggest that around 150 aid trucks are expected to enter daily, although there has been no immediate confirmation from the Israeli government regarding this media report.
On Sunday, the Israeli army announced limited airdrops of aid into Gaza and declared a 'tactical pause' in specific areas to enable aid deliveries. However, international organizations criticized these moves as a 'smokescreen,' accusing Israel of weaponizing hunger by maintaining closed crossings since March.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified, with dire shortages leading to severe malnutrition among residents. Despite these conditions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that only the 'minimum level' of aid is being allowed, while accusing the United Nations of disseminating falsehoods about the situation.
Israel's blockade on Gaza, in place for 18 years, has exacerbated the humanitarian conditions, especially since the closure of all crossings on March 2. The Israeli army's offensive on Gaza, ongoing since October 7, 2023, has resulted in nearly 60,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children, and has caused widespread destruction and food shortages.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.