‘There is date’ for IDF entry into Rafah: Israel’s PM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s decision to commence its planned offensive in Gaza’s Rafah, setting a definitive date for the military action.

The government’s long-standing signal of intent to launch operations in the southern city, housing more than 1.5 million Palestinians, has been consistent.

‘Victory demands entry into Rafah’

Netanyahu emphasized the imperative nature of the offensive, citing the need to eradicate “terrorist battalions” within Rafah.

Although details regarding the scheduled offensive were not disclosed, Netanyahu confirmed internal consensus on the matter.

The declaration coincided with continuous negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Egypt, centering on potential resolutions, including a hostage-prisoner exchange and cease-fire agreement.

Netanyahu reiterated the primary objective of securing the release of hostages and achieving a decisive victory over Hamas.

‘Nothing new in Cairo talks’: Hamas

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at the critical stage of the conflict with Hamas, suggesting that the current moment may be opportune for a deal regarding hostages.

However, Hamas indicated that the proposals put forth by Israel did not meet their demands.

William Burns, director of the CIA, participating in the Cairo talks, highlights the mounting pressure, particularly from the United States, Israel’s principal ally, to reach a resolution.

France, Egypt, Jordan jointly call for ‘unconditional’ Gaza cease-fire 

Meanwhile, France, Egypt, and Jordan collectively urged for an “unconditional” and “permanent” cease-fire in Gaza, alongside advocating for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

In a joint statement, French President Emmanuel Macron, his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II call for an end to “the war in Gaza and the catastrophic human suffering it causes.”

The trio of leaders also cautioned about the “dangerous consequences” if Israel proceeds with its planned offensive in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where over a million Palestinians seek refuge from Israeli bombardment.

Leaders urge implementation of UNSC Resolution 2728

“Faced with the intolerable number of victims, we, the heads of state of Egypt, France and Jordan, demand the immediate and unconditional implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2728,” the three heads of state wrote.

That was a reference to the U.N. resolution passed last month demanded a cease-fire throughout the month of Ramadan and required Hamas to release all Israeli hostages.

The article called for a two-state solution as “the only credible option to guarantee peace and security for all and ensure that neither Israelis nor Palestinians have to relive the horrors that have struck them”

 Israel-Hamas conflict: Grim toll mounts as Gaza braces for famine

On Oct. 7, Hamas launched an attack on southern Israeli border communities, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages.

Israel claims that out of the 130 hostages still held in Gaza, at least 34 have been confirmed dead.

Since then, over 33,000 Gazans, predominantly civilians, have lost their lives during Israel’s offensive in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with reports suggesting an imminent famine. Oxfam indicates that 300,000 individuals in the northern region have been surviving on an average of 245 calories per day since January.

Israel refutes allegations of obstructing aid entry or distribution within Gaza. They have instead accused U.N. agencies of failing to ensure that permitted aid reaches those in need.