Israeli official Benny Gantz has issued a warning, stating that unless Hamas releases all Gaza hostages by March 10th, a ground offensive in Rafah will ensue, marking the first specific timeline given by Israel for potential troop deployment into the densely populated city.
This announcement has sparked global opposition, particularly concerning the welfare of the 1.5 million Palestinians residing in Rafah.
The situation escalated as the United Nations health agency reported the cessation of operations at a critical Gaza hospital following an Israeli raid. The World Health Organisation (WHO) expressed concern over the inability to assess the hospital’s condition due to restricted access.
Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) justified their actions, citing intelligence suggesting Hamas-held hostages were located within the hospital complex. Despite the IDF’s assertions of precision and limited intervention, accusations of Hamas exploiting hospitals for terrorist activities have been hardly proven.
Speaking on Sunday, Gantz, a former defence minister, emphasised Israel’s commitment to coordinated action with American and Egyptian counterparts to ensure civilian safety amidst potential conflict. The Israeli war cabinet, comprising top security officials, was convened following an attack by Hamas gunmen in October, resulting in casualties and hostages.
Gantz’s mention of Egypt fuels speculation about potential Palestinian evacuations to the Egyptian border, yet details remain undisclosed. With Ramadan approaching, reports from Rafah indicate mixed responses among residents regarding evacuation prospects.
Despite international pressure urging restraint, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his pledge to launch a ground assault on Rafah in an attempt to eradicate Hamas, with little or no consideration for the safety of the millions of Palestinians, especially women and children present. Concerns persist regarding the humanitarian impact and regional repercussions of such an operation.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Cairo have yielded little progress, with both sides blaming each other for the stalemate. Despite diplomatic endeavours, the conflict’s toll continues to mount, further underscoring the urgency for a peaceful resolution amidst escalating tensions and constant Israeli bombardment in the region.