Israeli Government Approves Military Invasion Of The Last Untouched City Of The Gaza Strip
By Dailytab24.
The beacon of relief for Palestinians in Gaza Strip is about to fall, and once the invasion happens; there won’t be another city of relief for Palestinians. When the Israel-Hamas war began, safe areas created by Israel were eventually touched except Rafah city, hence making it a city of relief and attractive for millions of Palestinians that seek refuge. Now packed in Rafah city, the millions are at the risk of military invasion that could end their hope of relief.
Rafah is a Palestinian city in the Southern Gaza Strip with a border crossing to Egypt. 30 kilometers south-west of Gaza city that is under intensive bombardment by IDF. The city is a subject of diplomatic conundrum between Israel and its allies. Israel has been on the wrong side of its allies when it comes to the final city of the Gaza Strip where civilians have made a safe haven.
Israel has asked Hamas to surrender, but the terrorist organization is adamant and still functioning as a cell after being decapitated by the IDF. In the north, all the Hamas battalion have been torn apart and unable to function as a unit. With Hamas operatives scattered, they now pose insignificant threat, with pockets of attack being carried out by disorganized cells.
The IDF focus on the north pushed Hamas military leadership to the southern part of the Strip, and soon after IDF finished with the northern part, they stormed the southern part but Rafah. Khan Younis is under attack as much as Jabilia. The intensity of the battle in the southern cities means Israel must preserve a safe city. Rafah is the safe city and now through with all southern cities, Rafah became the final place to complete the attack overhaul of the Strip.
Why The Invasion Was Delayed.
Initially, Israel decided to use Rafah as a pressure lever for the release of hostages, leading to the delay of incursion. After some weeks, it appears using Rafah as a bargaining chip to release hostages taken by Hamas on 7th October is not working, hence the war cabinet feels it’s time to strike.
From inception, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted Rafah would be invaded, but reluctant to approve the incursion. Initially, he asked the IDF to present strategy for evacuating civilians and taking out the remaining four Hamas Battalion in the city. The plan was presented but the Prime Minister continued to delay, with hope hostage deal would be struck by US.
Order Given To Invade Rafah.
Times of Israel reported that that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the invasion plan drafted by the IDF and given the IDF the order to go ahead with the invasion. The order came after delay and international pressure to halt the invasion.
The order was approved by the war cabinet and the government cabinet. By declaring the invasion to go ahead, Prime Minister Benjamin turned down the US. While reacting to US reactions, the Prime Minister noted that Israel is not a ‘Banana Republic’ and would focus on what will preserve the security and lives of Israelis.
