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Why Israel is determined to launch Rafah offensive
Updated On: 22 March, 2024 06:29 AM IST | Jerusalem | Agencies
But opposition to plan, cease fire efforts and logistical issues may cause delay
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A Palestinian girl watches an Israeli drone fly over destroyed houses in the Rafah refugee camp. Pic/AP
Israel is determined to launch a ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, a plan that has raised global alarm because of the potential for harm to the hundreds of thousands of civilians sheltering there. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel can’t achieve its goal of “total victory” against Hamas without going into Rafah.
Why Rafah is crucial
Israel says Rafah is Hamas’ last major stronghold in the Gaza Strip, after operations elsewhere dismantled 18 out of the militant group’s 24 battalions, according to the military. But even in northern Gaza, the first target of the offensive, Hamas has regrouped in some areas and continued to launch attacks. Israel says Hamas has four battalions in Rafah and that it must send ground forces to topple them. Senior militants could also be hiding in the city.
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