As tension escalates in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that victory is within reach.
In an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu expressed determination to eliminate the remaining Hamas terrorist presence in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
“We’re going to do it. We’re going to get the remaining Hamas terrorist battalions in Rafah, which is the last bastion, but we’re going to do it,” Netanyahu affirmed during the interview.
The Israeli military, after more than four months since Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on October 7th, is poised to launch a ground assault on Rafah.
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Netanyahu disclosed that plans are in motion to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people from Rafah before the invasion begins. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the estimated 1.4 million civilians in the area.
“We’re going to do it while providing safe passage for the civilian population so they can leave,” Netanyahu assured, emphasizing the importance of minimizing civilian casualties.
The Prime Minister’s stance aligns with the U.S., which has urged Israel to consider the welfare of civilians in its military actions.
Nevertheless, Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of entering Rafah to defeat Hamas, dismissing calls to refrain from doing so.
“Those who say that under no circumstances should we enter Rafah are saying lose the war. Keep Hamas there,” Netanyahu asserted.
Amidst the escalating conflict, concerns have been raised about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations and aid organizations have voiced apprehension about the fate of civilians if Rafah becomes the next target.
As the situation intensifies, Netanyahu has refrained from providing specific details or a timeline for the ground invasion. The conflict has already claimed numerous lives on both sides, with casualties mounting in Israel and the Gaza Strip since October 7th.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the conflict that will spare civilian lives and bring lasting peace to the region.