Key Points
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the “intense phase” of the Gaza conflict is nearing its end.
- He clarified that the overall war is not ending, with operations particularly focused on Rafah.
- Netanyahu reiterated goals to return kidnapped individuals and uproot Hamas from Gaza.
- Despite the announcement, Israeli forces continued airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, targeting areas like Nuseirat, Rafah, and Zeitun.
- The Israeli military reported eliminating armed terrorists and dismantling tunnel shafts in Rafah.
In a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the “intense phase” of the fighting is nearing its end. However, this does not signal an immediate end to the war. Netanyahu’s remarks come amid continued airstrikes and ground operations by Israeli forces in Gaza and diplomatic manoeuvres in Washington.
Netanyahu’s Announcement
Speaking in a televised interview on Sunday evening, Netanyahu stated, “The intense phase of the fighting against Hamas is about to end.”
He clarified that while the intense operations, particularly in Rafah—the southern city near Egypt—are winding down, the overall conflict is far from over.
“The goal is to return the kidnapped and uproot the Hamas regime in Gaza,” he emphasised, rejecting Hamas’s demands for a permanent ceasefire.
Also read: UN security council backs Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan, Hamas ready to discuss details
Netanyahu also indicated plans to “redeploy some forces to the north” along the border with Lebanon, primarily for defensive purposes.
This move is aimed at addressing the potential threat from Hezbollah, with whom Israel has exchanged fire in recent weeks, according to AFP.
The prime minister expressed his intent to eventually return displaced citizens to their northern border communities, using either diplomatic or alternative means.
Continued Bombing and Ground Operations
Despite Netanyahu’s statements, Israeli military operations in Gaza continued on Monday. Airstrikes targeted areas in Nuseirat and Rafah, with reports of gun battles in Zeitun.
The Israeli military reported that troops in Rafah had “eliminated a number of armed terrorists,” dismantled tunnel shafts, and discovered large caches of weapons.
In Gaza City, at least five people were killed in an airstrike on a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facility. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted militants operating from within buildings that had previously served as UNRWA headquarters.
Diplomatic Efforts and International Reactions
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant travelled to Washington for critical talks with US officials, including Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
These discussions are expected to focus on the strategic and military alliance between Israel and the United States, which Netanyahu described as “more important than ever.”
The prime minister has accused the US of delaying or halting some arms deliveries, a claim US officials have denied.
The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The European Union highlighted the severe difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid, noting that the fabric of civil society in Gaza is “unravelling.”
Also read: Israel-Hamas Conflict Could Lead to Soaring Fuel Prices, Warns World Bank
The conflict has led to a significant civilian death toll and widespread destruction, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties.
According to Israeli official figures, 1,194 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the initial attack. Hamas militants also took hostages, with 116 still held in Gaza, although the Israeli army believes 41 of them are dead.
In response, Israel’s offensive has killed at least 37,598 people in Gaza, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The Israeli siege has deprived Gaza’s 2.4 million residents of essential supplies, pushing many to the brink of starvation. Sporadic aid shipments have provided some relief, but the overall situation remains critical, according to AFP.
Domestic Tensions and Political Implications
The ongoing conflict has fuelled domestic unrest in Israel, with protests against Netanyahu’s government. Demonstrators are demanding more effective measures to secure the release of hostages and criticising the government’s handling of the war.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, warned in his interview that his political ouster could lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state, which he described as a threat to Israel’s existence.
While Prime Minister Netanyahu’s declaration that the “intense phase” of the Gaza war is winding down might suggest a shift in the conflict’s dynamics, the situation on the ground remains volatile.
Continued military operations, significant humanitarian concerns, and complex international diplomacy all underscore the ongoing challenges.
As Israel navigates its military and political strategies, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings peace and stability to the region.
