The US, Egypt, and Qatar have advocated for a ceasefire to prevent an assault on Rafah.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that the military will proceed with or without a deal to destroy Hamas militants in the town.

Israel has prepared military plans and deployed troops and tanks, but the timing and execution of the offensive remain uncertain.

Approximately 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza, which is over half of the population, are currently living in crowded conditions in camps, UN shelters, or apartments.

Many of them had to flee their homes due to Israel's military actions and now face the possibility of another displacement or being caught in the crossfire.

These individuals are reliant on international aid for food and have inadequate sanitation systems and medical facilities.

Rafah, a town in southern Gaza, is critical because Israel views it as Hamas' last major stronghold in the region, having dismantled 18 of Hamas' 24 battalions through previous military operations.

Israel's central goal in the ongoing conflict is to destroy Hamas' military capabilities in Rafah.

Hamas continues to launch attacks in northern Gaza despite Israel's offensive, with estimated four battalions in Rafah.

Israel plans to send ground forces to topple them, but faces opposition due to potential civilian casualties and strategic consequences.

The US has urged Israel to have a credible evacuation plan, while Egypt warns against seizing the Gaza-Egypt border or pushing Palestinians into Egypt, which could threaten their peace agreement with Israel.

Israel's previous ground assaults in Gaza resulted in widespread civilian deaths and destruction.

Israel's military intends to evacuate civilians from Rafah in Gaza to "humanitarian islands" before an offensive, but details and feasibility are unclear.

Thousands of tents have been ordered for shelter.

UN officials warn an attack on Rafah could collapse the aid operation, leading to greater suffering and potential mass death for the population.

Some entry points have opened in the north, and a seaport to bring in supplies is promised to be ready soon.

The text discusses the potential consequences of a military operation in Rafah, a town in the Gaza Strip, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The majority of essential supplies enter Gaza through Rafah or the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing, making a major ground assault difficult and potentially disruptive.

The US has urged Israel to avoid a large-scale attack on Rafah due to the safety concerns for civilians taking refuge there.

Netanyahu's decision to attack Rafah carries significant political risks for his government.

If he fails to do so, some of his coalition partners could withdraw their support, potentially leading to his government's collapse.

Critics accuse Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of prioritizing power over national interest.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wants to attack Rafah, seeing a ceasefire as a defeat for Israel.

However, such an attack risks increasing international isolation and alienating the US.

Netanyahu may be making promises to placate allies or betting on limited international backlash if he goes ahead with the attack.

The Biden administration has expressed growing concerns over Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza, using increasingly strong language.

However, despite these concerns, the administration has continued to provide weapons to Israel's military and offer diplomatic support.