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Caption for images Many Palestinians displaced by the war have sought shelter in Rafah (Picture Courtesy: Getty Images)
Mavhungunekuvule Mungomeni
(The Post News) – Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that the country will carry out an offensive in Rafah, Gaza. This announcement, made on Monday, April 8th, has dashed any hopes of an end to the war. While no specific details were provided regarding the offense, the decision was made internally.
According to a report by Sean Seddon, the Israeli government has been indicating its intention to launch a military operation in Rafah for several weeks. This southern city is currently home to over 1.5 million Palestinians seeking shelter.
Netanyahu stated that the planned offensive is necessary to eliminate terrorist groups in Rafah. He emphasized the importance of entering Rafah and eradicating these battalions. However, world leaders have been urging Israel not to proceed with its plan for weeks. In a joint intervention, the leaders of Egypt, France, and Jordan warned Israel of the dangerous consequences and the potential for regional escalation.
Netanyahu also mentioned that he received a detailed report on the talks held in Cairo. He explained that Israel is dedicated to achieving its goals, including the release of all hostages and a complete victory over Hamas. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggested that now would be the right time for a hostage deal, six months into the war with Hamas.
A senior Hamas official, whose identity was not disclosed, stated that Israeli proposals have not met their demands. However, the group acknowledged that they would still be reviewed. This Hamas official asserted that there has been no change in Israel’s position and that no progress has been made in the Cairo talks.
The presence of CIA Director William Burns at the Cairo talks highlights the mounting pressure from the United States, Israel’s main ally, for an agreement. The United States opposes any assault on Rafah, where many Gazans who were displaced from their northern homes have settled. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II further pressured the Israeli government to reconsider its plans to send troops into Rafah, as evidenced by a joint statement they signed.
While the date for the offensive has been confirmed, it has not been made public. This ongoing conflict has resulted in immense suffering, loss of life, displacement, and devastation for the people involved.
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