Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that the military operation in Rafah is necessary to eliminate Hamas.
Bennett added in an interview with CNN: “Almost every Israeli understands that we have to take Rafah if we want Hamas to leave. If we do not completely destroy them, they will reconstitute themselves.”
He continued: “The million civilians who are taking shelter in the southern city can be transferred to the area north of Khan Yunis.”
In response to a question about reports that the White House is trying to expel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said: “Israel is a vibrant democracy and it is no secret that there is widespread unrest in Israel regarding the political situation, but by the same token, the overwhelming majority of Israelis support this.” The goal, the goal, is to destroy Hamas, because we have no other choice.”
The Israeli army announced, on Wednesday, that it plans to direct a large portion of the 1.4 million displaced people from Gaza who are in Rafah towards “humanitarian islands” in the middle of the Strip, ahead of a planned ground operation.
The fate of civilians in Rafah is a source of great concern to Israel’s allies, and humanitarian organizations have warned that an attack on the southern city on the border with Egypt, which is believed to be the last remaining stronghold of Hamas in the Strip, would be a disaster.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that the transfer of people in Rafah to the designated areas will be carried out in coordination with international actors.
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