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Defense OneApr 23
Report: Tent Compounds Being Set Up Near Khan Younis
Image copyright: Ahmad Hasaballah/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Satellite photos analyzed by the Associated Press on Tuesday seemingly show the construction of tent compounds near Khan Younis, indicating that Israel is preparing to enter the Gaza border town of Rafah — in which over 1M displaced Palestinians have taken refuge.
The images suggest that construction began on Apr. 16 just west of Khan Younis. Haaretz reported, without citing sources, that Egypt was constructing the tent compound ahead of a possible Rafah offensive by Israel.
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel has committed yet another terrible massacre in Gaza. There already is more than enough evidence to suggest that Israeli forces have consistently targeted civilians, even foreign citizens, in the country's campaign to starve the people of Gaza into submission. Indeed, it should be clear to everyone what would happen if Israel were to enter Rafah — it would mean the most heinous massacre of the war.
Pro-establishment narrative
Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks from Gaza or elsewhere, and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. However, the Biden administration is losing its patience with Netanyahu's intransigence. An Israeli offensive in Rafah would make worse the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is already rapidly getting out of hand.
Pro-Israel narrative
Once again, the media is falsely portraying the situation in Gaza, as the "mass graves" found over the weekend have a simple explanation. The military, while looking for the bodies of hostages, was forced to examine the bodies of Palestinians recently buried in the vicinity of the Shifa and Nasser hospitals, which it did respectfully. The bodies were then returned to their place. One should remember that Shifa was being used as a massive HQ for Hamas militants, and Israeli forces neutralized 200 terrorists there recently.