An Israeli ground offensive in Rafah is “on the immediate horizon”, the UN aid chief has warned, as Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that his forces will “enter” the southern Gaza city.
Martin Griffiths said in a statement on
“Famine is taking hold. The rules of war continue to be ignored,” he said, adding that a ground operation in the city, where an estimated 1.5 million displaced Loop Palestinians are welcomed, it will be “a tragedy beyond words.
The Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, called on states with influence over Israel “do everything in their power” to prevent an Israeli attack on Rafah.
His comments came as Mr. NetanyahuIsrael’s prime minister, reaffirmed his intention to order a long-promised assault on the city, whatever the response Hamas to the latest ceasefire proposals.
Netanyahu said Israel would enter Rafah, which he says is Hamas’s last stronghold, regardless of whether a real deal for the hostages is reached.
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In a statement from his office, he said: “The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all its objectives is out of the question. We will enter Rafah and eliminate Hamas battalions there, with or without an agreement, to achieve total victory. “
His comments appeared to be directed at his nationalist ruling partners, who have pressured him not to accept a deal that could prevent an assault on the city.
Netanyahu appeared to reassure one of them, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose office said the leader promised him that “Israel will enter Rafah, we will not stop the war and there will be no reckless deal.”
The United States has repeatedly said it opposes the Rafah operation until Israel presents a credible plan to evacuate and protect those in the city.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Jordan before flying to Israel to help advance the latest round of ceasefire talks, urged Hamas to respond to Israel’s latest ceasefire plan, saying, “No more delays. No more excuses. It’s time to act.” is now.”
Negotiations aimed at freeing hostages, providing relief to civilians and preventing an Israeli offensive in Rafah appear to be gaining steam.
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The nearly seven-month conflict began when Hamas fighters killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 Israelis and foreigners hostage in their Oct. 7 raid into southern Israel.
Provoked Israel’s attack on Gaza as it promised to destroy Hamas and bring the hostages home.
More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed during the Israel-Hamas wasaccording to local health officials, who say about two-thirds of the dead are women and children.