In a bold and decisive move, Israel's War Cabinet has sanctioned the commencement of a major military operation in Rafah, responding to an escalation of hostilities. This decision came after residents in the city's eastern sectors were urgently directed to relocate to designated safe zones, setting the stage for what appears to be a significant offensive against Hamas, which Israel identifies as a terrorist organization.
The unanimous approval from the War Cabinet follows a particularly heinous attack by Hamas at the Kerem Shalom crossing, resulting in the tragic deaths of four Israeli soldiers. This attack not only shattered a fragile peace but also ended all hopes of negotiating the release of hostages, prompting Israel to take a firmer stand.
An Egyptian official tells @Alhadath_Brk that Hamas attack on Kerem Shalom on Sunday that killed several IDF soldiers sabotaged the hostage deal talks https://t.co/nggj9fs6Q1
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) May 6, 2024
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been vocal about the threats facing Israel, unveiled the first phase of the operation at a pivotal War Cabinet meeting. Despite some initial hesitations, the ministers ultimately aligned, signaling a robust response to Hamas' provocations.
The operation, described as targeting Hamas' "final bastion of terror," kicked off with widespread evacuations from Rafah, underlining its impending intensity. While Israel remains open to mediation, particularly from U.S. efforts, a high-ranking Israeli official emphasized the reversible nature of the operation, contingent on Hamas' cooperation.
As evacuations unfolded, Hamas decried the actions as a "dangerous escalation," threatening dire repercussions. Concurrently, early strikes have reportedly claimed 28 lives in Rafah, underscoring the operation's immediate impact.
JUST IN
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 6, 2024
A source within the War Cabinet informed News 13 this morning that the vote on the Rafah operation was unanimously approved. The operation is anticipated to commence sometime this week. pic.twitter.com/Z1N8MSaWgX
Amidst these developments, international reactions have varied. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a conversation with Netanyahu, voiced strong preference for continuing negotiations and stressed France’s commitment to diplomatic resolutions and the urgent need for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
