JERUSALEM: Israel said on Wednesday it is “moving ahead” with its planned military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite international outcry over fears for the 1.5 million displaced Palestinians seeking refuge from relentless Israeli bombardment.
Government spokesman David Mencer affirmed Israel’s commitment to the operation during a press briefing, stating, “Israel is moving ahead with our operation in Rafah.”
Highlighting the military’s preparations, Mencer mentioned the mobilization of “two reserve brigades” for defensive and tactical missions in Gaza, alongside the ongoing destruction of Hamas battalions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that the Israeli army will launch an operation on Rafah. Despite warnings from key allies like the United States, Netanyahu remains resolute in his stance to attack Rafah, the last refuge for displaced Palestinians.
Rafah, as the last major population center yet to be entered by Israeli ground troops, has become the focal point of the conflict’s escalation. However, concerns have been raised about the potential humanitarian consequences of a full-scale military invasion, with humanitarian organizations emphasizing the vulnerability of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed alarm over reported plans to evacuate Rafah’s residents ahead of the assault, underscoring the dire humanitarian implications of such a military operation.
Meanwhile, Hamas called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a proposal that Netanyahu has rejected, vowing to eliminate all Palestinian resistance. Since October 7, Israel has killed at least 34,262 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in its relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza.
