Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has disclosed that Israel will invade Rafah even if it reaches a ceasefire and captive release agreement with Hamas.
According to a statement from his office, Netanyahu said, “The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all its objectives is out of the question.”
He added, “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there – with or without a deal, in order to achieve the total victory.”
The Israeli Prime Minister has for months pledged to go ahead with an invasion of Rafah, despite public pushback from Israel’s main ally the US.
The UN and humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that an assault of Rafah, where more than 1 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering, would be catastrophic.
The Prime Minister’s statement came as Hamas considered the latest proposal by the mediators in Cairo, which according to Israeli media, contemplates a 40-day ceasefire and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages in Gaza.
Netanyahu has faced pressure from his governing partners not to proceed with a deal that might prevent Israel from invading Rafah, which it says is Hamas’ last major stronghold.
His government could be threatened if he agrees to a deal because hard-line Cabinet members have demanded an attack on Rafah.
Netanyahu met on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, with one of those partners, National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, according to the minister’s office, although it did not disclose details.
Meanwhile an Israeli newspaper announced that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has approved final plans for a military manoeuvre in Rafah, the only large city in Gaza largely unaffected by fighting, and has made arrangements for the evacuation of civilians from there.
Deep Anxiety In Gaza
Also on Tuesday, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said that there is an “extraordinary deep anxiety in Gaza” right now, as people fear a possible invasion of Rafah.
The UNRWA Chief said during a briefing in Geneva that the prospects of such an invasion “will all depend on whether a ceasefire deal will be reached this week.”
“People have not yet been asked to evacuate from Rafah but there is a sense that if there is not a ceasefire deal this week, it could happen at any time.”
Philippe Lazzarini
Lazzarini also stated that there is more food on offer at markets in northern Gaza after an increase in supply in April.
However, he said that these supplies are still far from accessible to most people who have no cash left to spend nearly seven months into the war.
Additionally, Lazzarini noted that UNRWA officials on the ground in Gaza describe residents as experiencing a constant state of trauma due to ongoing military attacks, hunger, and overall deteriorating conditions.
“We are not talking anymore about PTSD, but CTSD: Constant traumatic stress disorder,” Lazzarini said.
According to Lazzarini, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the largest aid group operating in Gaza, has had 182 staff members killed during the war.
“Israeli military attacks in Gaza have also damaged 160 of the agency’s facilities, killing a total of 400 people sheltering inside the buildings,” he added.
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