Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Hamas terrorists captured by troops have revealed that the group is collapsing from within as Israel increases its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of terrorists have been captured and they have shared that Hamas is struggling internally and facing heavy consequences. Gallant emphasized that all individuals involved in the October 7 attacks will be eliminated, from junior officials to senior leaders, both inside Israel and abroad. The ongoing conflict was sparked by Hamas’s massive attack on Israel on that date, prompting Israel to take drastic measures.
The Israel Defense Forces reported seizing a cache of weapons hidden in the maternity ward of Shifa Hospital in Gaza during a raid targeting Hamas terrorists, which had been ongoing for three weeks. The weapons discovered included mortars, explosive devices, sniper rifles, assault rifles, handguns, and other military equipment concealed in patient pillows and beds. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to invade the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas strongholds in the area. Concerns have been raised by the Biden administration regarding Israeli military operations and the increasing civilian casualties as the conflict intensifies.
Netanyahu approved the IDF’s operational plan for Rafah, stating that troops were prepared to evacuate civilians and provide humanitarian assistance as they enter the city. He emphasized the necessity of taking control of Rafah to achieve victory and eradicate Hamas battalions in the area. The Israeli Prime Minister highlighted the importance of a military ground offensive in Rafah, where a significant portion of Gaza’s population has sought shelter amid the ongoing conflict. A virtual meeting between the Biden administration and Israel was scheduled to address the situation in Rafah after previous meetings were canceled due to disagreements over a U.N. Security Council resolution.
The White House has expressed concerns that a military operation in Rafah could result in mass civilian casualties and worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Biden administration and Israel were set to discuss the situation in Rafah to address the escalating violence and seek a possible resolution to the conflict. Netanyahu’s decision to push forward with military operations in Rafah has raised international concerns about the impact on civilians and the need for a ceasefire. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with both sides facing criticism and calls for de-escalation from the international community.
