Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear on Sunday that despite concerns about potential civilian casualties, Israeli forces would proceed with a planned ground operation in southern Gaza's Rafah. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not be swayed by international pressure and remained committed to achieving its objectives in the conflict with Hamas.Â
These goals included eliminating the militant group, securing the release of hostages, and ensuring Israel's security against threats posed by Gaza. His announcement coincided with expected talks in Doha aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, where Israel had been conducting military operations against Hamas for over five months.
Netanyahu's statements came amid warnings from various quarters, including US President Joe Biden and UN officials, who urged caution and stressed the importance of protecting civilians in Rafah. Despite these warnings and calls for restraint, Netanyahu reiterated his determination to achieve Israel's goals in the conflict. Additionally, he criticized suggestions for early elections, arguing that they would disrupt Israel's ability to address the ongoing crisis effectively.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration expressed reservations about Israel's plans for the Rafah operation. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to protect civilians before any military action could be taken. The administration underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of the 1.5 million people seeking refuge in Rafah and indicated that they would welcome the opportunity to review Israel's plan for the operation before it commenced.
