Netanyahu: "Whether a truce is reached or not, the IDF will enter Rafah to eliminate Hamas"

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
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Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has expressed his intention to carry out an attack on Rafah, Hamas's last stronghold, regardless of whether a ceasefire is achieved.

According to local media such as the daily Haaretz on the 30th (local time), Prime Minister Netanyahu said during a meeting with the families of hostages, "Whether the (ceasefire) negotiations are concluded or fail, we will enter Rafah and eliminate all Hamas forces."

He emphasized, "The idea of ending the war before achieving all war objectives is unacceptable," adding, "We will enter Rafah and achieve a complete victory."

Although there are signs of a possible agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, Netanyahu maintains the position that an attack on Rafah is inevitable.

Israel believes that Hamas leadership, remnants, and detained hostages are located in Rafah, and therefore insists on attacking Rafah to eradicate Hamas, rescue hostages, and resolve security threats originating from the Gaza Strip.

However, there are concerns that a war in this area, which houses 1.4 million refugees, would result in massive civilian casualties. For this reason, the international community is striving to prevent the Israeli military from attacking Rafah.