Tel Aviv, June 24, 2024 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that the “intense phase of the war with Hamas in Gaza is about to end,” hinting at a strategic shift in military focus towards Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. This development comes as fighting with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, has intensified in recent weeks.

In his first one-on-one interview with Israeli media since the conflict began on October 7, Netanyahu told Channel 14 Television, “It doesn’t mean that the war is going to end, but the war in its current stage is going to end in Rafah. This is true. We will continue mowing the grass later.” He reassured that Israel would maintain operations in Gaza until Hamas is entirely eliminated.

Humanitarian Crisis in Rafah

The situation in Rafah, a southern Gazan city, has become increasingly dire. Prior to the Israeli air and ground operations, more than a million Palestinians were taking shelter in Rafah, despite international pleas for Israel to halt its offensive. Since the operations commenced, approximately 800,000 people have been displaced. The United Nations food agency has described conditions in Rafah as “apocalyptic.”

Adding to the humanitarian crisis, the city’s border crossing with Egypt — a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid — has been closed since Israeli forces seized it last month. The closure has severely restricted the flow of much-needed aid to the region.

International Condemnation

Israel’s actions in Gaza have drawn significant international condemnation. Last month, the United Nations’ top court ordered Israel to immediately halt its military operations in Rafah, citing the “disastrous” humanitarian situation. Despite the ruling, Netanyahu’s government has pressed on, justifying the continuation of operations as necessary to neutralize Hamas.

Hostage Negotiations and Domestic Unrest

In the interview, Netanyahu expressed a willingness to negotiate a partial deal with Hamas for the return of some hostages still held captive in Gaza. However, he reiterated that military operations would continue post-ceasefire to ensure the complete eradication of Hamas. “I’m not ready to give that up,” he asserted.

The Prime Minister’s stance has sparked nationwide protests across Israel. On Saturday, families of the hostages joined ongoing anti-government demonstrations in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Herzliya, Caesarea, Raanana, Be’er Sheva, Kiryat Gat, and Pardes Hanna-Karkur. Protesters demanded the government accept the hostage release deal and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Rising Tensions on the Northern Border

As the conflict in Gaza reaches a pivotal juncture, attention is turning to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Clashes with Hezbollah have escalated, raising concerns about a potential broader conflict. Netanyahu’s comments suggest that the Israeli military is preparing to address these northern threats with increased intensity.

Conclusion

With Netanyahu’s government under mounting pressure from both international bodies and domestic protests, the trajectory of Israel’s military operations remains uncertain. As the situation develops, the humanitarian impact and geopolitical repercussions continue to unfold, drawing global scrutiny.