Ground Offensive Will Begin By Ramadan If Hostages Not Returned

Israel to Launch Ground Offensive in Rafah

Ground offensive will begin by Ramadan if hostages not returned

Israel will launch Rafah offensive if hostages not returned by Ramadan

BRUSSELS, Feb. 19, 2024 - All European Union countries except Hungary warned Israel on Monday against launching a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip city of Rafah. Humanitarian groups fear there could be dire consequences for civilians in Rafah if Israel goes ahead with its plan. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz reiterated that Israel was prepared to launch a planned Rafah offensive during Ramadan if a hostage held by Hamas is not returned. "We are prepared to act, and if we are forced to act, we will act with great force," Gantz said at a press conference in Tel Aviv on Sunday. The Israeli government has said that it will not negotiate with Hamas over the hostage, who is an Israeli citizen. The United Nations has called on Israel to halt its planned offensive, saying that it could lead to a humanitarian crisis. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Gaza.

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Conclusion: Israel's planned ground offensive in Rafah is a serious threat to the lives of civilians in the Gaza Strip. The international community must do everything it can to prevent this offensive from taking place.