Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "approved the plans for action in Rafah," his office said in a statement Friday.
"The IDF is preparing for the operational side and for the evacuation of the population," the Prime Minister’s office said.
The announcement followed a meeting in Tel Aviv of the Israeli security cabinet. No further details were immediately available.
There are an estimated 1.4 million people in Rafah in southern Gaza, many of whom have been displaced several times from other parts of Gaza.
The Prime Minister’s office also said that “Regarding the hostages - Hamas's demands are still ridiculous. An Israeli delegation will leave for Doha after the Security Policy Cabinet discusses Israel's position.”
Remember: Israel intends to move displaced Palestinians from Rafah to “humanitarian enclaves” in Gaza before any Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assault on the last remaining area in Gaza the military has not yet reached, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters Wednesday.
The IDF does intend to invade Rafah, he said, calling it “something we need to do.”
But the timing of the assault depends on “the conditions to allow it,” Hagari said.