GAZA STRIP – According to a report by Al Arabiya on Friday, the IDF is preparing to take control of up to 75% of the Gaza Strip within a three-month timeline. The plan, dubbed the “Rafah Model,” involves large-scale military operations, sectoral division of the territory, and long-term “cleansing” phases in each secured area.
Multi-Front Operation With Five Core Forces
The operation is expected to involve five major military elements, four offensive divisions, and one defensive division. Each captured zone will follow the Rafah sequence—conquest, isolation, and intensive clearing operations. The plan leaves room for a temporary pause if progress is made in hostage release negotiations.
Diplomatic Freeze: Netanyahu Recalls Doha Delegation
The report comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the recall of Israel’s delegation from Qatar, citing a “deadlock in talks with Hamas.” According to Netanyahu, Hamas has demanded U.S. guarantees for a complete end to the war—a condition Israel refuses to accept.
Israel Open to Renewed Negotiations—Under Conditions
Despite the freeze, Israeli officials say they are willing to return to negotiations in Doha if Hamas accepts a U.S.-brokered proposal by Steve Witkoff, which calls for the release of half of the living hostages, a temporary ceasefire, and an agreement to continue negotiating the terms of ending the war.
UN Warns of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
Meanwhile, the United Nations continues to sound alarms over the escalating humanitarian emergency in Gaza, where famine is allegedly spreading and aid remains severely limited due to Israel’s tight siege following the breakdown of the March ceasefire.
