19-2-2024 (JERUSALEM) Israel’s Minister without Portfolio, Benny Gantz, issued a stern warning on Feb 18, declaring that unless the hostages held by Hamas are released before the start of Ramadan in March, a ground offensive in the Rafah area of Gaza will be initiated. Gantz, a key member of Israel’s war Cabinet, assured that the military would collaborate with the US and Egypt to coordinate the evacuation of Gazan civilians, aiming to minimize casualties.
Approximately one million Palestinians seeking refuge from the conflict in Gaza have sought shelter in the Rafah area, situated in the southern part of the territory adjacent to Egypt. The month-long Muslim holiday of Ramadan is set to commence in mid-March.
Addressing American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, Gantz asserted, “To those saying the price is too high – I say this very clearly: Hamas has a choice. They can surrender, release the hostages, and this way, the residents of Gaza can celebrate the holy holiday of Ramadan.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of a ground operation in Rafah to eliminate Hamas’ remaining battalions. Netanyahu argued that those advocating for Israel to stay out of the area were essentially advocating for Israel to lose the war.
Gantz committed to persisting in the conflict until Israel’s objectives are met, including neutralizing the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah, bringing home approximately 130 remaining hostages, and completely ousting Hamas from Gaza.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages have hit stumbling blocks, with Netanyahu dismissing Hamas’s demands as “delusional.” Recent surveys indicate that Gantz is widely viewed by the public as the most suitable candidate for the next prime minister, with his National Unity party polling significantly ahead of Netanyahu’s Likud.
Gantz also conveyed his opposition to the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, asserting that such a step is not conducive to regional stability and peace, particularly in the aftermath of the Oct 7 attack by Hamas.
The conflict with Hamas erupted when the group infiltrated from Gaza and conducted attacks across southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and over 250 individuals being taken hostage.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 28,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing war, although the number of combatants among them remains undisclosed. Both the US and EU have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, and Israel has pledged to eradicate the group from the Gaza Strip.
The conduct of the war, leading to civilian casualties, widespread destruction of homes, and shortages of food and water, has prompted accusations from some countries that Israel is committing war crimes. Israeli authorities vehemently deny these charges.
On Feb 18, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed outrage at remarks by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who accused Israel of carrying out genocide in Gaza and likened its actions to Adolf Hitler’s policies. Netanyahu declared, “Comparing Israel to the Nazi Holocaust and Hitler is crossing a red line.”
