Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is poised for a ‘total victory’ once the IDF commences its invasion of Rafah, the final sanctuary for the approximately 1.4 million Palestinians who have been displaced to the southern region.
The individual mentioned that a complete invasion of Gaza’s third city is bound to happen, regardless of whether Israel comes to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas or not.
If an agreement is reached, there may be a slight delay, but it will come to fruition. If there’s no agreement, we’ll proceed regardless.
We must act now to achieve our ultimate goal of complete victory, which is closer than we think. Once we initiate the operation, success will be within our grasp.
Netanyahu’s recent statements represent a significant escalation in language concerning the military strategy for the Gaza Strip.
This approach has faced widespread criticism globally for its perceived lack of discrimination, resulting in the deaths of approximately 30,000 individuals, predominantly women and children.
The military actions were in response to Hamas’ intrusion on October 7.
Israel had issued a prior warning about commencing an invasion of Rafah on March 10, coinciding with the start of Ramadan, unless Hamas returned the approximately 130 hostages still concealed in Gaza.
Efforts to facilitate an agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire are currently in progress. Representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and the US convened in Doha, the capital of Qatar, to collaborate on the deal.
US representatives have reported that the talks resulted in ‘an understanding’ towards a ceasefire and hostage release
Egypt Proposes Ceasefire Exchange for Rafah
According to a senior official from Egypt, the proposed ceasefire agreement involves the liberation of around 40 female and elderly captives in exchange for up to 300 Palestinian detainees, primarily women, minors, and older individuals.
An official, who requested anonymity to talk about the negotiations, mentioned that the suggested six-week ceasefire would involve permitting numerous trucks to deliver essential aid to Gaza daily, particularly in the northern region.
Both parties have agreed to continue negotiations during the pause for further releases and a permanent ceasefire, according to him.
Hamas has stated that it was not part of the recent proposal created by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, although the details closely resemble its previous truce suggestion.
Hamas has stated that it will not free all the hostages until Israel stops its offensive and pulls out its forces from the area.
They are also asking for the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners, including high-ranking militants, a request that Mr. Netanyahu has turned down.
While diplomats convene in Doha, the movement of starving Palestinians towards Rafah has drawn criticism from the global community.
Concerns arise regarding the fate of Palestinians once Israel initiates attacks on the tent city.
Egypt has decided to keep its border closed to a large number of refugees fleeing the conflict, stating that it will not support any Israeli efforts to remove Palestinians from Gaza.
However, satellite images reveal the construction of a walled enclosure near Gaza, indicating preparations for a potential influx of refugees.
