1.5 million people threatened
Netanyahu only launches Rafah offensive after civilians flee
March 17, 2024, 8:04 p.m
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Berlin and Washington are critical of a ground offensive in the border town of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip because hundreds of thousands of civilians are still stuck there. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu does not want to abandon these plans, but says he will show consideration for the civilian population.
According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli army will not launch its announced offensive in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip as long as civilians are stuck there. The Israeli goal of “eliminating the remaining terrorist battalions in Rafah” goes hand in hand with helping the civilian population escape from Rafah, Netanyahu said after a meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Jerusalem.
At the meeting, Scholz openly questioned Israel’s military approach in the Gaza war in view of the high number of victims. At a joint press event, he emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself against the terror of the Islamist Hamas. At the same time, he urged Netanyahuin Jerusalem to rethink its strategy in the Gaza Strip.
In the five months of the war, the number of civilian casualties was extremely high, “many would say too high,” said Scholz. “No matter how important the goal may be, can it justify such terribly high costs, or are there other ways to achieve this goal?” asked Scholz.
USA calls for “credible” proposals for civilian protection
Terrorism cannot be defeated by military means alone, he continued. “We need a solution to this conflict that ensures sustainable and lasting security.” What is needed is a positive perspective for both peoples, for Israelis and Palestinians, “a perspective for a future in which the Palestinians can take care of their own affairs responsibly and govern themselves.”
Netanyahu approved plans for an offensive in Rafah on Friday. Observers warn of the devastating consequences of such an attack for the civilian population. The USA is also warning against a military operation in Rafah and is insisting on “credible” proposals from its ally Israel for the protection of civilians in the city, where, according to the UN, almost 1.5 million people now live in a very small space.
The war in the Gaza Strip was triggered by Hamas’ major attack on Israel on October 7th, in which, according to Israeli information, around 1,160 people were killed and around 250 others were kidnapped as hostages in the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israel has taken massive military action in the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, which cannot be independently verified, more than 31,600 people have been killed so far.