Gaza: Israel PM Announces Plans for Offensive Military Action in Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is preparing to launch an offensive military action in the southern city of Rafah in Gaza, citing the necessity to eliminate terrorist groups operating in the area.

The announcement comes after weeks of signalling by the Israeli government regarding its intentions to take military action in the region, which is home to over 1.5 million Palestinians.

Netanyahu’s statement, made during a press briefing, shows the urgency of the planned offensive, stating that it is essential for “the elimination of terrorist battalions” in Rafah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a date has been set for a military offensive into Rafah, despite strong opposition from international allies over the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/tBYvRLGzvW

— DW News (@dwnews) April 9, 2024

The move has drawn strong reactions from world leaders, with calls for Israel to reconsider its plans to avoid escalating tensions in the region.

Egypt, France, and Jordan issued a joint intervention, warning Israel of the potential “dangerous consequences” and the risk of “regional escalation” that could result from the offensive.

Despite international pressure, Netanyahu confirmed that a date for the operation had been set internally without providing further details.

Simultaneously, talks between Hamas and Israel regarding a potential hostage-prisoner swap and ceasefire deal have been ongoing in Egypt.

Netanyahu emphasised the importance of achieving Israel’s objectives in the negotiations, including the release of all hostages and a decisive victory over Hamas.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant suggested that the current situation presents an opportunity to reach a deal over hostages as talks continue in Cairo.

However, Hamas has indicated that Israeli proposals have not met their demands, although they remain open to examination.

William Burns, Director of the CIA, at the Cairo talks highlights the growing pressure from the United States for a resolution.

The US, a key ally of Israel, opposes any assault on Rafah, which has become a refuge for many displaced Gazans.

A joint statement from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II urged an end to the conflict in Gaza and called for increased humanitarian aid for the region.

They emphasised the importance of implementing a recent UN Security Council resolution for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

As tensions continue to mount, Israel reported a “record-breaking influx of aid trucks” into Gaza. However, Hamas’s attacks on southern Israeli border communities have resulted in casualties and ongoing hostage situations, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Security Council prepared to convene on Monday to consider a Palestinian request for United Nations membership as humanitarians expressed deep concerns about Israel’s planned invasion of Rafah and the desperate lack of aid reaching #Gaza.https://t.co/WEIJeTNL3m

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) April 8, 2024

With Gaza on the brink of famine and thousands of civilians affected by the conflict, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating violence and its devastating impact on innocent lives.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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