Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared Israel’s intention to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah, irrespective of ongoing truce negotiations with Hamas.
Netanyahu’s stance comes amid efforts to secure a ceasefire and negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, he emphasized at a gathering of hostages’ relatives that Israel would proceed with an invasion “with or without” an agreement.
This announcement follows renewed warnings from the United States against an assault on Rafah unless civilian protection measures are ensured. In a recent phone call, US President Joe Biden reiterated his opposition to a Rafah invasion, previously describing it as a “red line”.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the prospect of a Rafah assault, terming it an “unbearable escalation” and urging influential parties to intervene and prevent it.
Rafah, home to over half of Gaza’s 2.5 million inhabitants, has become a focal point amid escalating tensions. Displaced individuals in the city endure dire conditions, including shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced the potential invasion as a “catastrophe”, underscoring its potential impact on Palestinian history.
While Israeli sources hinted at shelving plans for an attack in favor of a ceasefire, Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s commitment to achieving its objectives in Rafah. Dismissing the notion of halting the war prematurely, he emphasized the pursuit of “total victory”.
Despite appeals from hostage families for a negotiated resolution, Netanyahu reiterated his determination to press forward with military action. About 130 hostages from the October 7 attack remain unaccounted for, with efforts to secure their release at an impasse.
International concern mounts as the looming invasion exacerbates trauma among Rafah residents. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN refugee agency, highlighted the pervasive sense of distress and the potential need for evacuation measures.
Netanyahu also condemned reports suggesting potential ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, dismissing them as a “scandal”. Asserting Israel’s sovereignty, he rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction over the country.
The United States echoed Israel’s stance, emphasizing its non-support for the ICC investigation. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated the US position, underscoring its rejection of the court’s jurisdiction.
