Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that the ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the death of at least 13,000 individuals identified as “terrorists” by Israeli forces. This announcement comes amid a broader conflict that has seen nearly 31,000 Palestinian fatalities since its onset five months ago, following a series of attacks by Hamas militants on October 7, which killed 1,200 and led to the capture of 253 hostages.
Despite not differentiating between civilian and militant casualties, the Gaza health ministry reported that 72% of the deceased are women and children, a figure that contrasts sharply with Israel’s classification of the casualties. Netanyahu, in an interview with the German media conglomerate Axel Springer, emphasized the strategic importance of expanding the offensive to Rafah, a region in southern Gaza, as a crucial step towards defeating Hamas. He expressed confidence in achieving victory soon, suggesting that the intensive phase of combat could end within weeks once operations against terror battalions in Rafah commence.
U.S. President Joe Biden, while asserting his unwavering support for Israel, has cautioned against a significant offensive in Rafah without a comprehensive plan for the mass evacuation of civilians. Over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are currently taking refuge in the Rafah area. Biden stressed the importance of Israel’s defense, including the continuation of support for the Iron Dome missile defense system, despite setting a red line against a full-scale invasion of Rafah.
Netanyahu remains resolute, framing the extension of military efforts into Rafah as essential to prevent a recurrence of the October 7 attacks. He warned that pausing the offensive would merely give Hamas an opportunity to regroup, noting that three-quarters of Hamas battalions have already been destroyed. The Israeli leader’s statements underline a commitment to continuing the military campaign despite international concerns and the complex humanitarian situation in Gaza.
