A senior Hamas official has cast doubt on Israel’s objectives in its planned invasion of the southern Gaza city Rafah, asserting that Israel will not achieve its aims of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages. Ghazi Hamad, speaking from Qatar where several Hamas leaders are based, criticized Israel’s seven-month presence in Gaza, citing a lack of progress towards its main goals.
Despite international concerns about civilian casualties and warnings from key allies like the United States, Israel remains determined to proceed with the military operation in Rafah, which is home to about 1.5 million Palestinians. Efforts to secure a truce and hostage release have hit roadblocks, although an Egyptian delegation is poised to restart negotiations.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer indicated that Israel’s focus is on dismantling the remaining Hamas battalions in Rafah, which are the primary targets of the impending assault. The situation has raised questions about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of negotiations and accusations of manipulating public perception regarding talks with Hamas.
Amidst the looming conflict, Hamas is already looking towards the post-war phase, planning efforts to rebuild Gaza and improve living conditions. The current tension underscores the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
