Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to rescuing the hostages and believes that enough of them are still alive to warrant the ongoing efforts to secure their release. Netanyahu expressed his determination to bring back not only those who are alive but also the bodies of the deceased. These comments come in light of his previous announcement that the Israeli military would soon initiate an operation in Rafah, which he described as the last stronghold of Hamas.
Egypt has expressed its concern, warning of grave consequences if Israel proceeds with a ground offensive in Rafah. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has referred to Rafah as the last bastion of safety in Gaza, emphasizing that targeting the city would contribute to the displacement and oppression of Palestinians. Numerous organizations, including the United Nations and other aid groups, as well as several countries, have voiced their opposition to Israel's plan. Hamas has reportedly declared that a ground offensive in Rafah would lead to the cessation of any hostage negotiations.
In an effort to address the situation, US President Joe Biden recently held a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu. A senior administration official stated that the call primarily focused on the release of the hostages in Gaza. The conversation lasted approximately 45 minutes, with a significant portion centered on the hostage situation. US officials have been working tirelessly to establish a framework for securing the release of the hostages and implementing a humanitarian pause. While there are still significant gaps to bridge, President Biden stressed the importance of capitalizing on the progress made thus far.
The call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu took place against a backdrop of strained relations, making it a critical juncture in the ongoing hostage negotiations. Both leaders underscored the need for continued close contact in addressing these urgent matters.
Another key topic of discussion during the phone call was Israel's military operation in Rafah. The city, home to over a million Palestinians, many of whom are already displaced, faces an uncertain future. The US has voiced its reservations about the operation, stating that given the current conditions, they cannot see how the evacuation of Palestinians would be feasible. The US has strongly reiterated its stance, while Israel maintains its willingness to assist in the evacuation process.
Following the phone call, it is clear that President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu will maintain active communication as they navigate the complexities of the hostage situation and the potential military operation in Rafah. Progress in resolving these issues remains uncertain, but both leaders recognize the need to continue working towards a resolution.
