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IDF Begins Preparatory Work for New “Green Rafah” City in Eastern Rafah

i24 News' Yinon Yatach and journalist Amiel Yerhi reveal a significant development on the ground in Rafah: the IDF has begun initial engineering work toward establishing a new city for Gazan civilians in eastern Rafah—an area currently under full Israeli control. According to Yerhi’s report, dubbed “Green Rafah,” the planned city is intended to house Gazans unaffiliated with Hamas. Preparatory work has already started, including debris clearing and handling of unexploded ordnance. A large-scale engineering deployment is expected to begin early next week. This morning, during work in the area, IDF forces encountered Hamas operatives emerging from the Rafah tunnel system—underscoring the proximity of the development zone to active combat sites where Hamas militants remain trapped. The initiative, however, has stirred tension inside Israel’s leadership. Several cabinet ministers recently expressed anger, insisting: “Do not build on the yellow line in a way that endangers our communities.” Yet the operational preparations unfolding on the ground suggest that political leaders may now be clearing the way for the project. The IDF declined to comment on the report.