Israel to Attack Rafah Despite International Pleas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel will proceed with its plans to attack the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, despite international concerns and pleas for restraint. Netanyahu cited the need to eliminate terrorist groups, particularly Hamas, which attacked Israel in October. He emphasized that victory against Hamas requires entering Rafah and eliminating the terrorist battalions there, noting that there is a set date for the operation.

The decision to attack Rafah follows Israel’s withdrawal of most of its troops from southern Gaza, a move that has sparked backlash from Netanyahu’s far-right supporters. Security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that failure to launch a “large-scale offensive” in Rafah would jeopardize Netanyahu’s mandate as prime minister. The United States has been urging Israel to avoid a major military strike in Rafah, with President Joe Biden cautioning that such an attack would be a “mistake.” Biden stressed that U.S. support for the war in Gaza hinges on Israel’s efforts to protect civilians and aid workers.

Netanyahu’s announcement has raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of an attack on Rafah. Deepmala Mahl of CARE International warned of a “terrible loss of life” if Israel invades the city. She noted that about two-thirds of the entire population of the Gaza Strip, approximately 1.5 million people, are sheltering in Gaza with no safe way to evacuate. International organizations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, have criticized military operations in Rafah, fearing they would “turn Rafah into a zone of bloodshed and destruction.