The Israel Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has announced that plans to launch a massive attack on the Rafah city in Gaza will be suspended if an agreement is reached with Hamas to release the hostages it holds. During an interview with Channel 12 of Israeli television, Katz emphasized the importance of releasing the hostages and indicated that the operation would be put on hold if a ceasefire agreement is reached.
Official Israeli sources confirmed that a new offer presented to Hamas is the final opportunity for the Palestinian organization to accept a ceasefire. Talks with Hamas, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, have been described as making progress. However, Israeli officials have warned of the seriousness of the situation. There is growing concern that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, believed to be behind a recent massacre in Israel, is hiding in Rafah.
While some members of the Israeli war cabinet support an offensive on Rafah, others have expressed opposition. Ultra-right ministers have threatened to resign if the operation is canceled, highlighting divisions within the Israeli government. The situation remains tense as negotiations with Hamas continue and the threat of a major offensive looms over Rafah.
Overall, tensions continue to escalate in Gaza as Israel weighs its options and diplomatic efforts are ongoing to reach a ceasefire agreement and avoid further violence in the region. The fate of Rafah and hostages held by Hamas hangs in the balance as both sides navigate this delicate situation.
