Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has delivered a stern warning to Hamas, setting a deadline for the release of hostages held in Gaza by March 10 or facing the prospect of a military offensive in the southern city of Rafah.
This ultimatum issued by the former defense minister and a significant figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, marks the first occasion on which Israel has publicly indicated the possible timing for its troops to enter Gaza's southern city, where approximately 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge.
Israeli War Cabinet Member Issues Ultimatum to Hamas
During a conference of Jewish American leaders, Gantz emphasized the urgency of the situation.
"The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know: If by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue to the Rafah area," the war cabinet member said.
This ultimatum coincides with the commencement of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, slated to begin on March 10, adding weight to the deadline set by Israel.
Rafah, situated on the border with Egypt, has emerged as a focal point in the conflict, with concerns mounting over potential civilian casualties and humanitarian crises.
The recent Israeli raid on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, near Rafah, has further heightened tensions. The raid, conducted in response to intelligence suggesting that hostages held by Hamas were being harbored within the hospital complex, resulted in the hospital ceasing to function, according to the United Nations public health agency.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) characterized the operation as "precise and limited." Accusations have been levied against Hamas for exploiting medical facilities for military purposes.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated his government's commitment to confronting Hamas, vowing to "finish the job" amid growing calls for halting military actions.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages have encountered significant obstacles, with Hamas demanding concessions from Israel, including the release of Palestinian prisoners.
As the countdown to Ramadan begins, reports from Rafah indicate a mixed response among residents.
While some individuals have chosen to depart, heading westward towards the coast, significant portion of the population remains in a state of uncertainty, unsure of their next course of action.
Escalation of Israeli-Hamas Conflict
The Israeli war cabinet, comprising the nation's top security officials, was established shortly after Hamas-led gunmen launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
This assault resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 individuals, with 253 hostages taken. Presently, Israel believes that Hamas still holds approximately 130 hostages in Gaza.
In response to the October 7 Hamas attack, Israel launched military operations in Gaza, including airstrikes and ground incursions, aimed at targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure.
These actions resulted in casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip. Israel also implemented blockades and restrictions on the movement of goods and people into and out of Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the territory.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the death toll since the beginning of the war stands at more than 28,400 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, with over 68,000 wounded.
Despite diplomatic initiatives led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, progress has been slow, exacerbating tensions in the region.
In addition to addressing the situation in Gaza, Gantz also warned of the threat posed by Hezbollah along Israel's northern border with Lebanon. He emphasized Israel's commitment to safeguarding its borders from hostile threats, signaling the possibility of military action against Hezbollah strongholds.
The looming deadline has elicited international concern, with calls for restraint and diplomatic resolutions to the conflict.
As tensions escalate, the region remains on edge, with hopes for a peaceful resolution to the crisis engulfing Gaza and its surrounding areas.
