Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has issued a stark warning, indicating that unless Hamas releases all hostages held in Gaza by March 10th, Israel will launch an offensive in Rafah. This marks the first time Israel has specified a potential timeline for its troops to enter the overcrowded southern city of Gaza.
Global opposition to such an attack in Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking shelter, is intensifying. The situation escalated when the UN public health agency reported that a crucial Gaza hospital ceased functioning after an Israeli raid. The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed frustration, stating it was denied access to Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis, north of Rafah, to evaluate the situation.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) entered the Nasser complex on Thursday, citing intelligence indicating that Hamas-held hostages were being kept there. The IDF characterized its operation in Nasser as “precise and limited,” accusing Hamas of exploiting hospitals for terrorist activities.
Speaking recently, Mr. Gantz, a former defence minister, emphasized, “The world must be aware, and Hamas leaders must understand – if our hostages are not released by Ramadan, the conflict will escalate, extending to Rafah and beyond.” Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, commences on March 10th this year.
Israel’s approach
Mr. Gantz also outlined Israel’s approach, stating they would act in a coordinated manner, collaborating with American and Egyptian partners to evacuate civilians and minimize casualties.
The Israeli war cabinet comprises the nation’s top security officials, established several days after Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israel on October 7th, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking. Hamas still holds approximately 130 hostages in Gaza, according to Israeli estimates.
Mr. Gantz’s mention of Egypt raises speculation about potential Palestinian evacuations to the Egyptian side of the border, where authorities appear to be preparing a large enclosure for this purpose.
With three weeks until Ramadan, reports from Rafah indicate some individuals are departing toward the coast, while many others remain uncertain.
Despite international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to launch a ground assault on Rafah to neutralize Hamas fighters.
Egypt and other Arab nations have warned against an Israeli offensive in Rafah, fearing an influx of Palestinians into Egypt. Saudi Arabia has cautioned that there will be “serious repercussions” if someone attacks Rafah.
Calls for Israel to refrain from storming Rafah persist internationally, given the dire conditions faced by Palestinians there. The ongoing conflict has devastated much of Gaza, with casualties rising daily.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Cairo have encountered challenges. Despite Qatari mediators’ involvement, progress has been slow, with Mr. Netanyahu citing Hamas’s “unrealistic” demands as a stumbling block.
Hamas, in turn, blames Israel for the lack of progress toward a ceasefire agreement.