Netanyahu Plans Assault on Rafah Amidst Rising Gaza Death Toll
Talks on Ceasefire and Hostage Release Continue as International Concerns Mount
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is forging ahead with plans for a military assault on Rafah, a southern border town in Gaza, as the death toll in the region is anticipated to exceed 30,000 this week. The move comes amidst ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
The war cabinet, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, met on Saturday for a briefing with negotiators who participated in talks held in Paris. Plans for an assault on Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge, are set to be discussed further this week. In an interview with CBS, Netanyahu indicated that a potential deal might delay the operation but would not prevent it.
Negotiators from Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have outlined the “basic contours” of an arrangement during talks in Paris, according to White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. However, final details are yet to be finalized.
Sources suggest that the proposed deal includes the release of 30 to 40 hostages, comprising women, elderly individuals, and the wounded, in exchange for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners. A ceasefire lasting up to six weeks is also part of the tentative agreement. Both sides are expected to continue negotiations during this period, covering the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with discussions scheduled in Doha and Cairo following the initial talks in Paris.
The escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by hunger, infectious diseases, and a shortage of medical care, has prompted international pressure for restraint. However, Netanyahu, vowing “total victory,” insists on the necessity of the operation to root out Hamas fighters based in Rafah.
The toll of the conflict is staggering, with health authorities in the Hamas-run administration reporting 29,692 Palestinians killed and 69,879 injured since October. International calls for Israel to exercise restraint have intensified, with the United States urging a “credible” plan to protect civilians.
While negotiations continue, the situation on the ground remains dire, with civilians trapped in heavy bombardment. Netanyahu revealed plans to move Palestinian civilians into “cleared zones” to the north, although such areas have also witnessed destruction and ongoing fighting.
As pressure mounts on Netanyahu domestically, anti-government protests in Tel Aviv on Saturday night resulted in clashes with police. Protesters, including families of those held in Gaza, demand a swift resolution, with some calling for an immediate election to replace the government.
The unfolding events underscore the complex challenges faced by Israeli forces as they strive to achieve Netanyahu’s goal of “destroying Hamas,” following the cross-border attacks in October that claimed over 1,200 lives and led to the hostage-taking of more than 200 individuals.