Netanyahu Defends Israel's Plans for Rafah Amid International Criticism

Israeli Prime Minister Defends Preparation for Potential Ground Invasion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country's preparation for a potential ground invasion of Rafah in Gaza, pushing back against concerns raised by key allies, world leaders, and aid agencies. In response to the alarm, Netanyahu stated during an interview on ABC's "This Week" that those who oppose entering Rafah are essentially advocating for a strategy that would allow Hamas to maintain control of the area, thereby ensuring that the war is lost.

Criticism and Concerns

Netanyahu's announcement on Friday of plans to prepare for evacuation of Rafah, a vital humanitarian aid corridor in southern Gaza, has drawn criticism from various quarters. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby warned that the US would not support an Israeli assault on the region, emphasizing the potential disastrous impact on civilians. Additionally, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield and UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed strong reservations about the proposed military operation, with Guterres warning of dire humanitarian consequences and untold regional ramifications.

Netanyahu's Response

Despite these concerns, Netanyahu sought to downplay the potential scale of the invasion, pointing out that Rafah represents a relatively small percentage of Gaza's overall territory, which is currently home to an estimated 1.4 million people. He also indicated that his administration has identified a region north of Rafah and is developing a detailed plan to provide civilians with a safe haven. According to Netanyahu, this effort is part of Israel's strategy to protect civilians from harm, contrasting it with Hamas' efforts to keep them in harm's way.

Humanitarian Impact

The conflict in the Gaza Strip has already resulted in a devastating toll, with over 28,000 individuals reported killed by Israel's offensive, according to Gaza's Hamas-controlled health ministry. The conflict has also led to thousands of injuries and the displacement of millions. Israeli military officials have confirmed the deaths of at least 224 soldiers, in addition to casualties suffered in Hamas' incursion on October 7th.