In a phone call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden has emphasized the need for measures to protect civilians in the city of Rafah amidst Israel's planned military operation. The White House has stated that a credible and executable plan must be in place to ensure the safety of over one million people in the area.

Netanyahu has insisted on moving forward with the offensive, despite growing international warnings and concerns. This call took place shortly after President Biden criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza as being "over the top." Numerous allies, international organizations, and regional powers have expressed their apprehension about Israeli troops entering Rafah, which serves as the sole point of entry for humanitarian aid and is situated on the border with Egypt.

Key figures such as UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Saudi Arabia have voiced their concerns over the repercussions of a potential storming of Rafah. Cameron highlighted that over half of Gaza's population sought refuge in the area while Saudi Arabia warned about "very serious repercussions" if the offensive were to proceed.

The United Nations has expressed distress over the lack of safe spaces for the 1.5 million Palestinians who have sought shelter in the city. Many of these individuals are currently living in tents within refugee camps, having been displaced from their homes due to previous Israeli military orders.

Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, has warned of tens of thousands of potential casualties if Israel follows through with the operation. They argue that such an offensive would also jeopardize negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages being held in the strip.

As tensions rise, Israel has ordered the evacuation of civilians from Rafah in preparation for an expanded offensive against Hamas. The decision to launch military operations in the Palestinian enclave came in response to Hamas gunmen killing over 1,200 people in southern Israel on October 7 and taking around 240 hostages. On Sunday, the Hamas-run health ministry reported an additional 112 Palestinian casualties from Israeli military actions, bringing the total number of deaths to over 28,100, with more than 67,500 injured.

During the call, President Biden reiterated the shared goal of defeating Hamas and ensuring Israel's long-term security. He called for urgent steps to increase humanitarian aid for the trapped civilians in Gaza. However, no specific details about the progress of negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages were disclosed, except for acknowledging some significant gaps that need to be addressed.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, in an interview with US broadcaster ABC News, expressed confidence in Israel's military capabilities and stated that victory was within reach. He assured that Israel would provide safe passage for civilians in Rafah and claimed that officials were working on a detailed plan for their relocation.

The US, European Union, and United Nations have all expressed their concerns about the potential invasion of Rafah and its disastrous consequences. Aid groups have warned that evacuating everyone from the city may not be feasible.

As the situation escalates, the international community continues to closely monitor the developments, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the safety of civilians while addressing the underlying conflicts in the region.