Israel has announced plans to initiate a long-anticipated offensive against Rafah in the coming month if Hamas fails to release the remaining hostages held in Gaza by the start of Ramadan, according to Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet.
The deadline for this ultimatum is March 10, coinciding with the expected beginning of Ramadan. Gantz, a retired military chief of staff, delivered this warning during a conference of American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, emphasizing that the military operation would be carried out in coordination with the United States and Egypt.
Gantz assured that efforts would be made to minimize civilian casualties, and the offensive would be executed in a manner that facilitates evacuation. He stated that the Israeli government had not previously specified a deadline for the planned assault on Rafah, where a significant number of the 1.7 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.
The announcement follows weeks of unsuccessful ceasefire talks, with key mediator Qatar acknowledging over the weekend that the prospects for an agreement are diminishing.
Gantz’s declaration adds a new dimension to the already complex situation, raising concerns about the potential escalation of violence in the region. The details of where civilians can safely relocate within the besieged Gaza Strip remain unclear. The international community is closely watching the developments, hoping for a diplomatic resolution to avoid further destabilization in the region.
