The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are gearing up to commence a ground operation in Rafah “very soon,” with plans to conduct a large-scale evacuation of over a million Palestinians, according to a Tuesday report citing two American officials.

Palestinians will be required to evacuate within the next four to five weeks to tent complexes established by international aid organizations, the report from the Jerusalem Post added.

The plan for the Rafah operation has been presented to American officials and other regional agencies. According to the plan, the operation will progress in stages, with the Gazan city divided into defined areas. The IDF will notify the local population at each stage before advancing into the area, allowing them time to evacuate before further IDF movement.

On Wednesday, the IDF announced that it had mobilized two reserve brigades to continue defense and attack missions in the Gaza Strip under Division 99’s command. The 2nd Reserve Brigade of the 146th Division and the 679th Reserve Brigade of the 210th Division will be relocated from northern Israel, near the Lebanon border, to the Gaza Strip. Before their transfer, they are undergoing combat training in the North.

The IDF greenlit the latest plan for the Rafah operation earlier this week after considering three previous proposals. The U.S. government has expressed strong opposition to an operation in Rafah without a credible plan to safeguard civilians.

“We are preparing to establish a joint operation with the United States. We understand the concern, but we will not be able to complete the mission without entering Rafah, which could also help relieve pressure on the hostage issue,” the official stated.

Amid preparations for the Rafah operation, government officials reportedly continue discussions on potential changes to Israel’s side of the hostage deal negotiations to facilitate progress in the deal’s advancement.