If Hamas does not release the hostages, Israel threatens to launch an attack on Rafah By the start of Ramadan

Israel is ready toIsrael is prepared to escalate its military activities in the southern Gaza Strip and initiate a ground assault on Rafah, which borders Egypt, if hostages taken by the Hamas terrorist group do not return home before the start of Ramadan in March. This was stated by Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli military cabinet, warning that if the hostages are not returned before Ramadan, fighting will continue in all areas, including Rafah. It is noteworthy that the holy Muslim holy month of Ramadan commences this year on March 10.

According to the former IDF commander and defense minister, the Israeli armed forces will conduct the operation in a coordinated manner to ensure the evacuation of civilians in cooperation with American and Egyptian partners in order to minimize civilian casualties. “For those who believe that the price of the offensive is too high, I want to emphasize: Hamas has a choice – they can capitulate, release the hostages, and the people of the Gaza Strip will be able to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan,” Gantz said.

“Our priority is the safety of our citizens and the protection of our territory,” Gantz emphasized. He also added that Israel strives for peace, but will not remain silent in the face of threats from terrorist groups. “We are ready for dialogue and peaceful negotiations, but at the same time, our decisive action will show that we will not allow our security to be violated,” he said.

Israel and Hamas continue their conflict

The Israeli Army advanced toward Rafah in the southern area of the Gaza Strip, bordering Egypt, on February 8, after launching a ground military operation against Hamas in response to an attack originating from the Gaza Strip by militants from the radical Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas on October 7, 2023. The attack claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 civilians and military personnel, with over 250 individuals taken captive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated the operation’s objective, emphasizing the complete dismantling of Hamas and the liberation of the hostages. As of now, the operation remains ongoing.

On February 12th, the Israeli armed forces carried out an airstrike on the city of Rafah. It was later revealed that this was a specialized operation during which two Israelicaptives held by Hamas were released. It should be noted that Egypt is threatening to suspend a major peace agreement with Israel if the Israeli military enters Rafah.Such threats create additional tension and can complicate an already difficult situation in the region, requiring careful consideration from all sides.