Sunday, February 9, 2025
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Israel warns of March deadline for Rafah offensive

 

Palestinians in Gaza Brace for All-Out War: 'There Is No Place To Go'

In a significant development, Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has issued a warning, setting a March deadline for a potential ground offensive in Rafah if Hamas fails to release all hostages in Gaza by March 10. This marks the first time Israel has specified a timeline for potential military action in the overcrowded southern city of Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million Palestinians reside.

Global opposition is mounting against the prospect of an offensive in Rafah, with concerns about the well-being of civilians in the densely populated area. Earlier, the United Nations public health agency reported that a crucial Gaza hospital, Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis, ceased to function following an Israeli raid. The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed frustration as it was denied access to assess the situation.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) justified their operation in Nasser, stating that intelligence indicated Hamas hostages were being held there. The IDF described the operation as “precise and limited” while accusing Hamas of using hospitals for terror activities.

Benny Gantz emphasized the deadline, stating, “The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know – if by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue everywhere, to include the Rafah area.” Ramadan begins on March 10 this year.

Gantz outlined a coordinated approach, involving the evacuation of civilians in collaboration with American and Egyptian partners to minimize civilian casualties. The Israeli war cabinet, comprised of top security officials, was formed in the aftermath of a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October, resulting in casualties and hostages.

Despite international pressure and warnings from Egypt and other Arab nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his commitment to a ground assault on Rafah to eliminate Hamas gunmen. The potential consequences of such an offensive, including the displacement of Palestinians into Egypt, are a cause for concern.

Efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Cairo have been ongoing, but progress remains uncertain. Negotiations were initiated at the request of US President Joe Biden, but Netanyahu noted that Hamas’s demands were deemed “delusional” by Israeli negotiators. Meanwhile, Hamas has attributed the lack of progress to Israel. The situation continues to unfold amid heightened tensions in the region.

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