Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his intention to move forward with a ground offensive into the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah, with or without the support of the United States. This decision follows a meeting between Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday.
During a video post, Netanyahu stated, 'There is no way for us to defeat Hamas without going into Rafah and eliminating the rest of the battalions there. I hope we will do it with the support of the USA, but if necessary, we are prepared to proceed alone.'
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership between the US and Israel in combating Hamas, a collaboration that has spanned over five months. He also highlighted the importance of evacuating civilians from conflict zones and addressing humanitarian needs, affirming that efforts are underway to achieve these objectives.
The announcement of a potential ground offensive in Rafah underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the determination of Israeli authorities to confront the threat posed by Hamas. The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with global attention focused on the developments unfolding in Gaza.