Israel faces pressure to avoid operating in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, without a solid plan to safeguard Palestinian civilians. Leaders from the United States and Jordan emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian harm while addressing security concerns in the area. Concerns were voiced at a joint press conference where key regional partners underscored that any significant military move must include credible protections for the more than a million residents sheltering there.
Officials stressed that a major operation in Rafah cannot proceed without a clear framework to ensure safety, humanitarian support, and sustained stability for the civilian population that bears the brunt of the conflict. The message was clear: civilian protection and predictable support channels are essential components of any security action in densely populated areas.
February developments included information about attacks in the Al-Shabura neighborhood of Rafah, as authorities discussed targets within the southern Gaza Strip. Reports from ongoing operations indicated that at night, two Israeli captives, abducted during a recent escalation, were located in Rafah, highlighting the ongoing human dimensions of the conflict and the reality that hostilities can intersect with the daily lives of residents.
In a broader public address, a senior defense official stated that the campaign in the northern Gaza Strip had reached a phase of active engagement and that movements to reduce intense fighting in the south were being considered in the near term. The official also articulated a vision that Gaza should be governed by a Palestinian leadership that does not pose a threat to Israel, signaling a shift toward governance arrangements that prioritize regional security while attempting to address humanitarian needs.
Former leadership figures cautioned about the timeline for achieving lasting peace with the Palestinian population, highlighting the complexity of reconciliation efforts and the long road ahead for any sustainable settlement. The discourse reflected a shared sense that security objectives must be paired with civilian protection, humanitarian access, and political clarity to advance stability in the region.