ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given the go-ahead for a military operation in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza despite reservations from the US and other countries.
After meeting with families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, Netanyahu stressed the importance of the planned operation in Rafah to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.
His determination to proceed with the offensive comes amid growing pressure from the US and the global community.
Tensions between the US and Israel were evident as Netanyahu addressed the media, discussing the cancellation of a planned visit to Washington and a recent UN resolution on a Gaza ceasefire.
Speaking passionately before his upcoming surgery after being diagnosed with Hernia, Netanyahu emphasized the preparedness of the Israeli Defense Forces for the Rafah offensive and highlighted the significance of the mission.
Netanyahu said,
“It won’t take a lot of time. Nothing will stop us, not US pressure,” said Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister.
As for the cancellation of delegation to Washington, the Israeli prime said he told the U.S. not to do it as It will send an extremely grave message to Hamas—that they don’t have to release a single hostage, and they can get a ceasefire.
“I told them not to do it as it will send an extremely grave message to Hamas—that they don’t have to release a single hostage, and they can get a ceasefire,” he added.
Netanyahu’s words come as the Palestinian death toll from the ongoing conflict has increased to over 32,700 as per the Hamas-run health ministry.
