Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Tuesday that the military would launch a ground offensive on Gaza’s far-southern Rafah city “with or without” a truce deal being negotiated with Hamas.
In a bold statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that Israel’s stance on the Israel-Gaza hostage crisis remains firm.
The premier’s hawkish warning disregarded US concerns. It preceded Secretary Blinken’s visit to Israel for crisis talks.
“The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” said Netanyahu, who was vowed to destroy Hamas over their October 7 attack that sparked the deadliest ever Gaza war.
“We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there with or without a deal, in order to achieve the total victory,” he told families of some of the hostages still being held in Gaza, his office said.
Netanyahu’s remarks coincided with Hamas considering a truce plan from Cairo talks, raising cautious hopes for peace. The proposal involved mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar.
The Palestinian militant group is contemplating a 40-day ceasefire plan. They propose exchanging scores of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
As tensions persist and negotiations continue, the prospect of Israel entering Rafah without a hostage deal remains a possibility. Such a move would have significant implications for regional stability and could escalate the conflict further. It underscores the complex nature of the Israel-Gaza relationship and the challenges involved in finding a peaceful resolution to the hostage situation.
Moreover, Netanyahu’s announcement underscores Israel’s readiness to take decisive action if necessary. Despite diplomatic efforts, Israel Gaza hostage negotiations have yet to yield significant progress. Netanyahu’s firm stance reflects Israel’s determination to prioritize the safety and security of its citizens above all else.
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