
Netanyahu Announces Planned Rafah Offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares intent to enter Rafah in southern Gaza to dismantle Hamas, regardless of a ceasefire or hostage deal’s status. Announcing an unconditional continuation of the conflict, Netanyahu’s office stresses that achieving all objectives takes precedence. As a precautionary measure, evacuations in advance of the anticipated offensive have begun. Details of the offensive’s timing by Reuters remain unspecified. The threat arises amidst advanced negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchange with Hamas, who are considering an Israeli proposal of a 40-day truce and prisoner swap. Following talks in Cairo about a ceasefire draft, Hamas officials are to return with a written response. As the last unentered city by Israel in Gaza, over a million people have taken refuge in Rafah amidst the widespread destruction caused by the Israeli offensive, which regards Rafah as the last Hamas stronghold.