Netanyahu threatens to invade Rafah: “There is a date”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated his commitment to invade the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, if the war that has been ongoing for six months is completed.

Netanyahu has repeatedly said that Israel should send ground forces to Rafah, saying it is Hamas's last stronghold in Gaza, but tonight he went further, saying: “There is a date”.

The international community – including the United States – opposes such an operation, because about 1.4 million civilians seeking asylum there would be in grave danger. Israel, for its part, insists that it has a plan to protect civilians.

In a video statement Monday evening, Netanyahu said “Operation Rafa” was necessary to achieve victory. “It will happen. There is a date.” advertiser, But without giving more details.

Today's developments on the Gaza war front

It is worth noting that Netanyahu's statements came while Israeli negotiators in Cairo were discussing the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

the BBC We have collected the most important events that took place on Monday on the war front:

• Qatar's foreign ministry told the BBC it was cautiously optimistic about a new proposal in Gaza ceasefire talks – but there are conflicting reports in regional media about the progress being made in Cairo.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a date has been set for the Israeli attack on Rafah, where 600,000 children are taking refuge.
• International pressure has increased on Israel not to invade Rafah without a plan to protect civilians in the city
• On the other hand, on Monday, Palestinians began returning to Khan Yunis after Israel announced a major withdrawal from the war-torn city.
• Israel stressed that a “large force” would remain in the north, while describing the troop movement from Khan Yunis as tactical.
• The White House described the withdrawal as “rest and renewal” for the Israeli army, while US National Security spokesman John Kirby referred to the “exhaustion” of the forces.
• Displaced residents spoke to the BBC about their return to the devastated southern city, with one Gaza resident saying “there is almost nothing left.”