2024-02-16 17:26:19
(CNN) — Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said that Israel has “no intention” of sending Palestinians to Egypt as part of the evacuation of the city of Rafah in the far south of the Gaza Strip, where it said it would focus its next military offensive.
Gallant told reporters in a briefing on Friday: “Israel has no intention of evacuating Palestinian civilians to Egypt,” and added: “We respect and appreciate the peace agreement with Egypt, which constitutes a cornerstone for stability in the region, and it (Egypt) represents an important partner.”
Gallant’s comments come amid reports that Egypt is building a miles-wide buffer zone along its border with Gaza as part of a contingency plan in the event of a large influx of Palestinian refugees into Egypt.
Israeli officials said the army is working on a detailed plan to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of the planned attack there, but they have not yet shared any details regarding that plan.
Gallant did not provide any details regarding the possible evacuation on Friday, but said: “We are carefully planning future operations in Rafah, which is an important stronghold for Hamas.”
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