Austin: Main concern of Rafah operation is executing plan to safeguard civilians

Published April 30, 2024 3:15pm ET



Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin believes it’s possible for Israel’s military to evacuate civilians out of Rafah safely and effectively before it starts a ground invasion, though he’s worried about Israel’s ability to execute such a plan.

More than a million Palestinians have fled from their homes to the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah, which is along the strip’s border with Egypt. It’s also where the last four Hamas battalions are hiding.

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