Israeli plans to evacuate civilians from Rafah depart “nowhere for folks to go and no manner for folks to get there”, an knowledgeable has advised Sky News.
Former US particular envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Frank Lowenstein, who has been concerned in previous ceasefire negotiations, mentioned he does not assume there may be wherever for the folks within the southern Gazan metropolis to go.
More than one million are within the metropolis now and most got here after being forcibly evacuated from different elements, he added.
He mentioned: “Now you are asking them to maneuver, the place will they transfer? I simply do not assume there’s wherever for them to go.”
With Israel showing intent on pushing on in Rafah after Khan Younis – which is barely north of town – regardless of the US “strongly” counselling them towards the transfer, Mr Lowenstein says frustration is clear in Joe Biden’s administration.
US-Israel relations strained
Mr Biden mentioned Israel’s actions in Gaza have been “excessive” in a single day, in his harshest criticism but.
“Casualties from that mission will probably be catastrophic,” he mentioned of the anticipated offensive in Rafah.
“You’re seeing frustration spill over from the administration very publicly now in ways in which it hasn’t earlier than.”
He mentioned public disagreements between the US and Israel may result in Mr Biden’s group slowing down its assist and privately threaten to not defend the nation within the UN.
“We’re not fairly there but,” he mentioned. “But they might be heading in the direction of an enormous combat publicly.”
