Israel plans to launch a ground offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah unless hostages held by Hamas are released before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan next month, Bloomberg reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argues that a ground operation in Rafah is necessary to eliminate Hamas’ remaining battalions, dismissing calls to avoid the area as tantamount to conceding defeat. Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated that Israel will coordinate with the US and Egypt to evacuate Gazan civilians to minimize casualties.
Talks for a ceasefire and hostage release have stalled as Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ demands as “delusional.”
