Israeli 'humanitarian city' plan jeopardizes Gaza ceasefire deal talks
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"Israel’s" insistence on maintaining its military presence in Rafah and constructing an alleged "humanitarian city" is obstructing Doha-mediated ceasefire negotiations.
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Palestinians carry bags containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US- and Israeli-backed organization, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)
Israeli media reports that the Israeli insistence on keeping its forces in Rafah and proceeding with the establishment of an alleged "humanitarian city", despite mediators' objections, is hindering efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that the Israeli leadership's insistence on building what it claims will be a "humanitarian city" in Rafah is obstructing mediation efforts in Doha and risks derailing a prisoner-captive exchange deal with Hamas.
According to Channel 12 correspondent Yaron Abraham, the Israeli military has warned political leaders that launching the construction of a massive facility to relocate 600,000 civilians from northern Gaza during the ceasefire could be interpreted by Hamas as a preparation for a partial deal followed by an inevitable return to war, a move that would undermine the assurances provided by the US administration to the group.
According to the channel, estimates indicate that constructing this city would take between three to five months, posing challenges in terms of military stockpiles, troop deployment, resource drain, and managing the humanitarian costs tied to health services and sanitation in the area.
Channel 12 also reported that although the military is prepared to execute the government's directives, officials have privately cautioned leadership to proceed carefully, warning of significant risks ahead.
Even Israeli officials are skeptical of humanitarian city plan
Meanwhile, Israeli broadcaster Kan reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold a meeting with the security cabinet at 9 pm Sunday to discuss the ongoing negotiations in Doha.
According to correspondent Gili Cohen, the discussion is expected to include a new proposal allowing Israeli forces to remain in Rafah during the ceasefire, a condition Hamas rejects, with sources noting that the Israeli government continues to insist on this clause despite its potential to derail negotiations.
The channel also noted that the meeting is likely to discuss continuing preparations to establish an alleged "humanitarian city" in Rafah, a proposal that mediation parties oppose.
According to Kan, even Israeli officials themselves express doubts about Hamas potentially accepting this proposal, even with flexible modifications or additional updates to the plans, reflecting an internal awareness that these terms could effectively sabotage the negotiations.
Meanwhile, Tamir Morag on the Israeli Channel 14 stated that "the core dispute now centers on the Morag axis and the continued operation of the American company in distributing aid in southern Gaza," as "Israel" insists on rejecting Hamas's demands for a complete withdrawal from southern Gaza and halting the American company's aid distribution operations.
