Netanyahu says there is a date for Israeli army invasion of Rafah

(Patria) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed yesterday his intention to carry out a military invasion of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, stating that "there is a date."

In yesterday's video message, Netanyahu said that the operation in Rafah is essential for Israel's victory in the war.

- It will happen. There is a date - he asserted, without revealing further details.

Netanyahu made the statement as Israeli negotiators were in Cairo discussing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that Israel must send troops to Rafah, which is considered the last stronghold of Palestinian Hamas militants.

However, the international community, including Israel's closest ally the United States, opposes the announced operation, as around 1.4 million civilians who have taken shelter there would be seriously endangered.

Official Israel has consistently stated that it has a plan to protect civilians.

- Israel is buying 40,000 tents to prepare for the evacuation of Rafah - said an Israeli official who wished to remain anonymous.

Allowing people to return to Khan Younis could ease pressure on Rafah, but many have no homes to return to.

The city is also likely full of dangerous unexploded ordnance left over from the fighting.