Netanyahu Threatens Military Action in Rafah Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Negotiations with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for an incursion into Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
The negotiations, which are considered one of the most serious rounds since the war began, aim to free hostages and provide relief to the population.
Netanyahu made this statement hours before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel to advance the talks.
Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas' battalions in Rafah regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.
Netanyahu has announced that Israel will enter Rafah and eliminate Hamas' battalions there, regardless of whether a deal is reached or not.
He is under pressure from nationalist partners to invade Rafah, which is Hamas' last major stronghold, but faces international criticism due to the risk to civilians.
Over half of Gaza's population is sheltering there.
Netanyahu spoke at the Tikva Forum, addressing families of hostages who prefer a military approach over their loved ones' freedom.
The main hostage-representing group wants a deal for their release, which could come with a six-week ceasefire as part of an initial phase in the current US, Egypt, and Qatar-brokered deal.
It's unclear if Netanyahu's comments were meant to influence this deal or appease his partners.
The text discusses the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners and the end of Israel's assault in Gaza.
While Israel is willing to release some prisoners, Hamas insists that this will lead to a complete end to the assault and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Israel, however, has only offered an extended pause in the offensive.
The issue has hindered peace talks for months, with Netanyahu refusing to stop the war in exchange for hostage releases and insisting on continuing the offensive in Rafah to destroy militants.
The conflict began in October 2014 with a raid by militants that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 civilians and the abduction of around 250 hostages.
Israel reports that over 100 hostages are being held by militants and the remains of over 30 people are still unaccounted for, in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The war has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians, as per local health officials.
Approximately 80% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have been displaced from their homes, and extensive destruction has occurred in several towns and cities.
The situation in northern Gaza is critical, with the area on the brink of famine.
Netanyahu made this statement hours before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel to advance the talks.
Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas' battalions in Rafah regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.
Netanyahu has announced that Israel will enter Rafah and eliminate Hamas' battalions there, regardless of whether a deal is reached or not.
He is under pressure from nationalist partners to invade Rafah, which is Hamas' last major stronghold, but faces international criticism due to the risk to civilians.
Over half of Gaza's population is sheltering there.
Netanyahu spoke at the Tikva Forum, addressing families of hostages who prefer a military approach over their loved ones' freedom.
The main hostage-representing group wants a deal for their release, which could come with a six-week ceasefire as part of an initial phase in the current US, Egypt, and Qatar-brokered deal.
It's unclear if Netanyahu's comments were meant to influence this deal or appease his partners.
The text discusses the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners and the end of Israel's assault in Gaza.
While Israel is willing to release some prisoners, Hamas insists that this will lead to a complete end to the assault and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Israel, however, has only offered an extended pause in the offensive.
The issue has hindered peace talks for months, with Netanyahu refusing to stop the war in exchange for hostage releases and insisting on continuing the offensive in Rafah to destroy militants.
The conflict began in October 2014 with a raid by militants that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 civilians and the abduction of around 250 hostages.
Israel reports that over 100 hostages are being held by militants and the remains of over 30 people are still unaccounted for, in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The war has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians, as per local health officials.
Approximately 80% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have been displaced from their homes, and extensive destruction has occurred in several towns and cities.
The situation in northern Gaza is critical, with the area on the brink of famine.
Translation:
Translated by AI
