Israel issues warning: Gaza conflict may extend for seven more months
An Israeli official cautioned that the conflict in Gaza could persist for an additional seven months, indicating a prolonged timeline beyond the current military actions against Hamas. The warning suggests a continuation of hostilities into the foreseeable future, contradicting expectations of a swift resolution.
The war in Gaza is expected to carry on until the end of the year, according to an Israeli official's warning on Wednesday. It appears that the fighting will not cease even after the military offensive against Hamas in Rafah.
Israel's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, mentioned that Israel's war cabinet has designated the year 2024 as a year focused on combat.
Hanegbi expressed our determination to continue our efforts in the fifth month of 2024. We aim to further our progress and reach our objective of dismantling the military and governmental abilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Despite increasing international calls to halt the offensive, Israeli tanks were spotted in central Rafah on Tuesday for the first time since the operation commenced earlier this month. The tanks continued to explore the southern Gaza city on Wednesday.
The Israeli government had indicated that going into Rafah would be the last step in their conflict with Hamas. This conflict began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel started a powerful offensive in Gaza, causing over 36,000 casualties as reported by Palestinian officials.
Smoke rises following Israeli strikes during an Israeli military operation in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 28, 2024. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled
Smoke rises following Israeli strikes during an Israeli military operation in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 28, 2024. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled
Hatem Khaled/Reuters
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Israeli tanks seen advancing further into Rafah despite international calls to halt offensive
Despite the possibility of reaching a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement with Hamas earlier this month, some members of Israel's war cabinet pushed for the Rafah offensive to proceed. They believed that eliminating the group was a higher priority than rescuing the hostages who were thought to be in Gaza.
However, Hanegbi's remarks indicate that the Rafah operation might not bring an end to the conflict. This raises concerns about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intentions to de-escalate Israel's military actions and his strategy for governing Gaza after the war.
Netanyahu has described Rafah as the final stronghold of Hamas, but his troops have actually been active in the northern regions where the military had claimed to have taken down the militants' leadership.
During a radio interview on Reshet Bet, Hanegbi admitted that from the start, it was made clear to the cabinet that the conflict would be prolonged.
"You need to be patient and learn how to stay strong. It's this resilience that has helped our nation thrive for 75 years, and even for 3,000 years before that. Let's not rush ourselves or impose deadlines," he advised.
Fire rages following an Israeli strike on a displacement camp in Rafah on Sunday.
Fire rages following an Israeli strike on a displacement camp in Rafah on Sunday.
Reuters TV/Reuters
Israel continues its military offensive despite increasing global condemnation. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike in Rafah targeted a camp for displaced people, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 individuals and injuring 200 others. The camp was previously designated by Israel as a safe zone.
Footage from the Tal al-Sultan camp depicted devastating scenes: charred bodies being recovered from the debris, a heart-wrenching moment of a man cradling the headless body of a child, and fires engulfing tents in the backdrop.
A CNN analysis of the video footage indicates that weapons manufactured in the United States were utilized in the attack on Rafah.
However, US President Joe Biden is maintaining his stance on Israel, indicating that the strike in Rafah has not reached a point where it would lead to a shift in American support. This is despite his previous statement to CNN that he would not permit specific US weapons to be used in a significant offensive in Rafah.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently ruled that Israel must stop its offensive in Rafah immediately. The ICJ also warned against any actions that could harm the Palestinian group in Gaza and lead to their physical destruction, as stated in the ruling.
The ICJ described the current humanitarian situation in Rafah as "disastrous." The situation could deteriorate further if Israel's operation in the city persists, according to the court's findings.
CNN’s Allegra Goodwin, Avery Schmitz and Kathleen Magramo contributed reporting.
Editor's P/S:
The ongoing war in Gaza is a tragedy that has resulted in immense suffering and loss of life. The Israeli official's warning that the conflict could continue until the end of the year is deeply concerning. It is clear that a ceasefire is urgently needed to prevent further bloodshed and allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The international community must continue to pressure both Israel and Hamas to reach a peaceful resolution.
The Israeli government's decision to designate 2024 as a year focused on combat in Gaza is a troubling sign that the conflict may drag on for an extended period. This raises serious concerns about the long-term stability of the region and the well-being of the Palestinian people. It is essential that all parties involved prioritize diplomacy and dialogue over violence and destruction.
