Israel to continue military operation in Gaza, despite international concerns
What's the story
Despite international concerns, Israel has said that it will continue its military operation in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. "Israel is moving ahead with our operation to target Hamas in Rafah," government spokesman David Mencer told a press briefing. He added, that the remaining four Hamas battalions in Rafah "cannot be shielded from Israel."
Context
Why does this story matter?
Over 1 million people are squeezed into Rafah—once a city of 300,000 people—as it has become the main refuge for Palestinians amid the Israeli invasion of Gaza. The conflict started last year after the Palestinian terrorist group killed around 1,200 Israelis and took some 240 hostages during its October 7 cross-border attacks on Israel. In response, the Jewish nation launched a multi-pronged military operation in the strip, which has claimed the lives of over 31,000 Palestinians so far.
Military strategy
18-19 of Hamas's 24 battalions neutralized: Mencer
Mencer disclosed that "two reserve brigades" have been activated for defensive and strategic operations against Hamas in Gaza. Since the start of Israel's ground invasion on October 27, "at least 18 or 19 of Hamas's 24 battalions" have been neutralized, according to Mencer. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently asserted Israel's commitment to continue the operation in Rafah, the last major population center yet to be infiltrated by Israeli forces.
Civilian impact
Netanyahu has stressed the importance of eliminating remaining Hamas battalions
Netanyahu has stressed the importance of eliminating the remaining Hamas battalions in Rafah to achieve his government's goal of "eliminating" Hamas in Gaza. Rafah has become a sanctuary for most of Gaza's 2.4 million inhabitants who are seeking shelter in temporary encampments. Despite cautionary advice from allies including the United States against sending troops into Rafah due to potential civilian casualties, Israel remains resolute.
Humanitarian concerns
US State Department, Red Cross officials express concerns
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller warned earlier this month about the potential negative impact on civilians and Israel's security if "a full-scale military invasion of Rafah would have an enormously harmful effect." Red Cross official Fabrizio Carboni expressed concerns about possible humanitarian repercussions, stating that any military operation could lead to devastating consequences and noted that there were no known plans to evacuate residents of Rafah before the assault.