While a fresh round of ceasefire negotiations is taking place in Cairo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that a date has been set for an Israeli invasion of Rafah, the last remaining shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza. However, he did not reveal that date.
“It’ll happen. “There is a date,” Mr. Netanyahu said in a televised statement Monday, without going into further.
What the US said?
The United States, Israel’s closest friend, has stated that a ground attack into Rafah would be a mistake and has requested a credible strategy to safeguard civilians. Mr. Netanyahu spoke when Israeli officials were in Cairo discussing international efforts to arrange a cease-fire agreement with Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization.
Israeli troops pulled out of Khan Younis, another city in southern Gaza, on Sunday, marking the conclusion of a critical chapter of the conflict. Defense officials said they’re preparing for a push into Rafah.
Palestinians who visited Khan Younis on Monday reported that the city is now unlivable, with littlethe hope of returning. Many people have sought shelter in Rafah.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the battle has killed 33,200 Palestinians and injured almost 76,000 others. The government does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its figure, but says women and children account for two-thirds of the deceased.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants assaulted southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, the majority of them were civilians, and kidnapping approximately 250 more.