Netanyahu Vows Gaza Offensive Despite Ceasefire Talks and Civilian Concerns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to launch an offensive in Rafah, Gaza, to destroy Hamas battalions, despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations and international concerns for the 1.15 million civilians sheltering there. The conflict, triggered by militant attacks on Israel on October 7, 2024, has been ongoing for 7 months.

Netanyahu's comments came hours before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel to advance the truce talks, which appear to be one of the most serious rounds of negotiations between Israel and Hamas since the war began. The proposed deal would see the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in fighting as part of an initial phase, with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel also being released.

Why this matters: The planned offensive has raised global alarm due to the potential for harm to the civilian population, and the U.S. has urged Israel not to carry out the operation without a 'credible' plan to evacuate civilians. The attack on Rafah could also have heavy political repercussions for Netanyahu, as some of his coalition partners have threatened to withdraw if he signs onto a cease-fire deal that prevents the assault.

However, 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. The hawkish premier stated that the idea of halting the war before achieving all its goals is "out of the question" and that Israel will enter Rafah "with or without a deal" to release the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

The international community, including Israel's top ally, the United States, has warned Israel against any offensive that puts civilians at risk. The war in Gaza has already killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, driven around 80% of Gaza's population from their homes, and pushed northern Gaza to the brink of famine, according to Gazan health officials.

The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 34,000 deaths and 77,000 injuries in Gaza, and at least 1,700 deaths and 8,700 injuries in Israel since the initial Hamas attack on October 7, 2024. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent action to avert a "human-made famine" in the northern Gaza Strip, urging Israel to follow through on its promise to open two crossings into northern Gaza to allow aid delivery.

Key Takeaways

• Netanyahu pledges offensive in Rafah, Gaza to destroy Hamas, despite ceasefire talks.
• Proposed deal would see release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners in exchange for ceasefire.
• Planned offensive raises global alarm over potential harm to civilians, U.S. urges Israel to evacuate.
• War in Gaza has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, driven 80% from homes, and risks famine.
• Conflict has resulted in over 34,000 deaths and 77,000 injuries in Gaza, 1,700 deaths in Israel.