At the same time, the sources added that until the evacuation is finished and the military operation begins, there is still a significant amount of time, which allows Hamas to recant and return to negotiations within the agreed-upon boundaries.
A diplomatic source confirmed to Israel Hayom that "the negotiations have not ended. Hamas has still not passed us its answer, if it is positive, the evacuation will stop."
Israel is still attempting to reach a deal to release the hostages held by Gaza terror groups, and the evacuation of Rafah is seen as a step which places pressure on Hamas to agree to a deal which will not include the end of the war.
CIA chief William Burns is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday, to attempt to restart negotiations and delay the Rafah operation.
On Sunday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the opening ceremony of Holocaust Remembrance Day, saying, "I say to the leaders of the world, no amount of pressure, no decision by any international forum, will stop Israel from defending itself."
"As the Prime Minister of Israel – the one and only Jewish state – I pledge here today from Jerusalem on this Holocaust Remembrance Day: If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone. But we know we are not alone because countless decent people around the world support our just cause. And I say to you, we will defeat our genocidal enemies. Never again is now!"
