Israel says 'moving ahead' with Rafah operation in Gaza
- In Reports
- 09:40 PM, Apr 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
Despite international concerns over the safety of the 1.5 million Palestinians in Rafah, Israel has announced its determination to proceed with its planned operation targeting Hamas in the southern Gaza city. David Mencer, a government spokesperson, confirmed this decision during a press briefing.
Mencer stated that the four battalions remaining in Rafah are not safe from Israeli attacks and will be targeted. Additionally, he mentioned that two reserve brigades have been activated for defensive and tactical operations against the Palestinian Islamist movement in Gaza. He noted that since the ground invasion of Gaza began on October 27, approximately 18 or 19 out of Hamas's 24 battalions have been destroyed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel's determination to proceed with the anticipated assault on Rafah, the largest remaining population centre in Gaza where Israeli ground forces have not yet intervened. Netanyahu, known for his hardline stance, has emphasised that eliminating the four remaining Hamas battalions in Rafah is crucial to his government's objective of eradicating the Islamist group in Gaza.
A significant portion of Gaza's 2.4 million residents have sought refuge in Rafah, with many residing in improvised encampments. Concerns have been raised by countries, including Israel's primary ally, the United States, cautioning against Israeli troops entering Rafah due to the potential for substantial civilian casualties.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasised earlier this month that a comprehensive military invasion of Rafah would pose significant harm to civilians trapped in the area and could ultimately undermine Israel's security.
Fabrizio Carboni, an official from the Red Cross, stated that humanitarian organisations were unaware of any reported plans to evacuate Rafah's residents prior to the impending assault. "There are no circumstances under which a military operation can occur without causing devastating humanitarian consequences," he informed AFP on April 23.
Hamas is advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a proposition currently deemed unacceptable by Netanyahu, who has pledged to "eliminate" all Hamas battalions. Mencer reported that "at least 26,000 terrorists were killed, captured, or injured on the battlefield" during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The conflict began after Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,170 individuals, the majority of whom were civilians, according to a count by AFP based on Israeli official data.
Israel's retaliatory campaign against Hamas has resulted in the deaths of 34,262 individuals in Gaza, with the majority being women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory.
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