Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to proceed with a ground offensive into the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah, with or without US support. This decision follows a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday.
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 will do it alone.'
Expressing gratitude for the ongoing cooperation between the US and Israel in the conflict against Hamas, Netanyahu also highlighted the importance of evacuating civilians from war zones and addressing humanitarian needs.
Currently, over 1 million displaced individuals are seeking shelter in Rafah after fleeing other parts of Gaza. Discussions between Israeli and US officials are set to take place in Washington next week to explore alternatives to the potential offensive.
A displaced Palestinian resident in Rafah shared concerns about the escalating violence, stating, 'The bombing is getting closer slowly in Rafah. We do not know where we will go after Rafah.' Describing the challenging conditions in the city, the resident mentioned overcrowding, chaos, and rising prices.
