Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has announced that plans for a massive attack on the Gaza City of Rafah have been put on hold indefinitely. In an interview with Channel 12 of Israeli television, Katz emphasized the importance of releasing the hostages held by Hamas and indicated that any ceasefire agreement would be respected.
Official Israeli sources have 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 making progress, but tensions remain high. There are growing concerns about the whereabouts of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be hiding in Rafah.
While some members of the Israeli war cabinet support launching an offensive on Rafah, others have expressed opposition. Ultra-right ministers have threatened to resign if the operation is canceled, highlighting the divisions within the Israeli government. The situation remains tense as negotiations with Hamas continue and the threat of a major offensive looms over Rafah.
The fate of Rafah and its residents hangs in the balance as both sides navigate this delicate situation. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to reach a ceasefire agreement and avoid further violence in Gaza. Despite these efforts, tensions continue to escalate and uncertainty remains as to what will happen next in this precarious region.