Amidst the protracted war in Gaza, Israel has disregarded the United States’ plea to refrain from invading Rafah city. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel will not hesitate to act alone, stating, “If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone” and “fight tooth and nail.”
Two Israeli ministers have publicly opposed a Gaza truce deal, calling for the invasion of Rafah, Hamas’s last bastion in the Palestinian territory. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and war cabinet minister Benny Gantz have both called for Hamas to be destroyed, as planned by the government when it went to war after the Islamist movement’s October 7 attack.
The US Senate’s approval of $13 billion in military aid to Israel has intensified the conflict in Gaza. Amidst growing fears of an invasion of Rafah, the US aid has sparked protests against Israel’s conduct in the war. Despite the urgent need for humanitarian aid, obstacles persist, while Israel vows to proceed with its offensive on Rafah. Allegations of mass graves and the role of UNRWA have further complicated the situation.
