Israel’s military is poised to enter into Rafah, the last major stronghold of Hamas in Gaza, without a deal for the release of the hostages. But Hamas still wants to continue negotiations to end the war.
Israeli troops and tanks continue to gather near Rafah for the expected military operation. Rafah is where many believe the leaders of Hamas, including Yahya Sinwar, are hiding as well as the remaining battalions of Hamas fighters. It’s also thought to be the location of the last remaining hostages.
While Hamas seems to reject the latest ceasefire offer, it apparently wants negotiations to continue, a tactic that could be intended to forestall the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) Rafah invasion.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says they will move ahead with their plans for an assault.
“We will do what is necessary in order to win and overcome our enemies, including in Rafah, in order to secure our future,” Netanyahu pledged.
A top Hamas demand is that Israel ends the war against the terrorist group and that all Israeli troops leave the Gaza Strip. But Netanyahu told visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a deal to end the war without defeating Hamas is a non-starter.
Meanwhile along the northern border, negotiations to broker a peace deal between Hezbollah and Israel appear stalled. In light of that,
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