Israeli PM Netanyahu Says He Does Not Entering Rafah and Leaving Hamas the Same as Losing the War

PM Benjamin Netanyahu when he met the Israeli military. (Source: GPO/Haim Zach)

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that not allowing Israeli troops to enter Rafah and allowing Hamas militants there was the same as losing the war.

"Those who say that under no circumstances should we enter Rafah are basically saying: 'lose the war, leave Hamas there'," explained PM Netanyahu, as reported by CNN, February 12.

Previously, PM Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli military would soon launch an operation into Rafah and promised to provide safe passage for civilians, but gave few details.

"Victory is within reach. We will do it. We will defeat the remaining Hamas battalions in Rafah, which is the last stronghold, but we will do it," said PM Netanyahu in an interview with ABC released Sunday.

"We will do it while providing safe passage for civilians so they can leave," explained PM Netanyahu.

When asked where the Palestinians would go, Netanyahu said "we are drawing up a detailed plan."

It is known that the United States has warned that carrying out such an operation without careful planning "would be a disaster". Meanwhile, the United Nations, other aid organizations, and several countries have expressed concern over the impact on civilians.

On the other hand, Palestine warned that Israel's planned attack on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, which borders Egypt, was a clear and unacceptable violation. Meanwhile, a Hamas leadership source quoted by Al-Aqsa television said that the Israeli military ground attack on the city of Rafah was the same as ending hostage negotiations.