The parents of over 900 “Israeli” soldiers deployed in Gaza have signed a letter urging the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) to halt the ongoing Rafah operation labeling it as a “death trap” and “nothing short of reckless”.

“It is evident to anyone with common sense that after months of warnings and announcements regarding an incursion into Rafah, there are forces on the other side actively preparing to strike our troops,” said the letter sent on May 2 seen by the Guardian.

“Our sons are physically and mentally exhausted... And now, you intend to send them into this perilous situation? … This appears to be nothing short of recklessness,” adds the letter, which was addressed to “Israeli” War Minister Yoav Gallant and IOF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

“And now, you intend to send them into this perilous situation? … This appears to be nothing short of recklessness.”

Initially, the letter was signed by 600 parents of soldiers but in recent days, and after the recent takeover of the Palestinian side of Rafah Border Crossing, 300 more families signed it.

“Rafah is a death trap,” said the mother of one “Israeli” special forces soldier deployed in Gaza.

“Hamas had a lot of time to prepare the place for the killing of our soldiers. We are very concerned and worried.”