Netanyahu: Israel will enter Rafah with or without a ceasefire deal
"The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question," Netanyahu said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will enter Rafah with or without a ceasefire deal with Hamas.
Meeting with representatives of hostages’ families and bereaved families, Netanyahu said: “The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question. We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there – with or without a deal, in order to achieve the total victory.”
Netanyahu’s statement comes as media reported that the IDF is preparing to enter Rafah this week if the latest ceasefire proposal is rejected by Hamas.
“Israel has gone above and beyond in showing flexibility to reach a deal,” Times of Israel quoted an official saying.
The Wall Street Journal quoted Egyptian officials saying that the deal would include the release of “at least 20 hostages over three weeks for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.”
According to Israeli media, the government is expected to receive a reply from Hamas on Wednesday evening.
U.S. President Joe Biden has called on both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to exert all “efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas as this is now the only obstacle to an immediate cease-fire.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
