Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will launch an operation on Rafah with or without a truce agreement and hostage release with Hamas

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to launch a raid on Rafah, the southern Gaza city where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are taking refuge from a seven-month war. Netanyahu stated that Israel will enter Rafah to destroy the Hamas battalions present there, “with or without an agreement.”

Negotiations for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas are ongoing to free hostages and provide relief to Palestinians in the besieged enclave. Netanyahu emphasized that achieving “total victory” in the war is the primary goal, despite pressure from his government partners to launch an offensive on Rafah, which is believed to be the last major stronghold of the Palestinian terrorist group.

Concerns have been raised by the international community, including the United States, about the fate of civilians if the Israeli army invades Rafah. Netanyahu has refused to halt the war in exchange for the return of hostages, citing the strategic importance of the operation in Rafah to eliminate insurgents.

Hamas officials recently left Cairo after discussing a ceasefire proposal with Egyptian officials. Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, has been mediating between Israel and Hamas to reach a truce after months of conflict. The terms of the ceasefire proposal have not been disclosed, but reports suggest that Israel has softened its stance and is now seeking the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported receiving 47 bodies and treating 61 wounded in the past 24 hours. The ongoing war in Gaza, sparked by an attack on southern Israel in October, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The Gaza Ministry of Health estimates that at least 34,536 Palestinians have been killed and 77,704 injured, while the Israeli military claims to have eliminated 13,000 terrorists without providing evidence.

Efforts continue to negotiate a ceasefire and bring an end to the conflict that has devastated Gaza and claimed numerous lives.