Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the “intense phase” of fighting in Rafah, southern Gaza, is nearing its end, but emphasized that the war is far from over. Netanyahu stated that the conflict will persist until Hamas is completely ousted from power.
Furthermore, Netanyahu announced plans for the Israeli military to redeploy troops to the border with Lebanon, where tensions with Hezbollah have been escalating. He also reiterated his opposition to the idea of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza in place of Hamas.
“In the end, you will need ongoing military demilitarization by the Israel Defense Forces and the establishment of a civil administration,” Netanyahu stated in an Israeli television interview. “I hope that with the support and management of certain countries in the region, this is the right way to move forward.”
Meanwhile, residents of Rafah reported continued clashes in the city, with Israeli air strikes in Gaza City reportedly claiming the life of the Hamas-run health ministry’s director of emergency services. An aid distribution center was also targeted by the Israeli military, with the IDF claiming it was being used by Hamas.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant is set to visit Washington to discuss the situation in Gaza and the escalating tensions with Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran.
The Israeli military launched a campaign to eradicate Hamas following the group’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 others. Since then, more than 37,551 individuals have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, with a significant number of children, women, and elderly among the casualties.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with Netanyahu’s remarks indicating that the conflict is far from reaching a resolution.
