All Rafah terrorists must be purged - opinion

• Published date: 16 March 2024
• Author: DANNY DANON
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The strategic significance of Rafah is undeniable. It serves as Hamas's gateway to the outside world, providing the necessary resources for the group to sustain its operations and continue to wage war. The only path to victory for Israel in this fight hinges on uprooting Hamas from Rafah, essentially cutting off the oxygen that is enabling Hamas to continue their reign of terror, and to dismantle the operations of their terror organization completely in the southern area of the Gaza strip

While there is no alternative to a Rafah operation, Israel is simultaneously committed to minimizing civilian casualties in the Rafah region of Gaza. Recently, the IDF presented a plan to the War Cabinet to evacuate the civilian population from this location. Unfortunately we know that Hamas will do everything it can to hinder the evacuation to safety of these civilians and will continue to put innocent lives at risk.

Israel never sought a war. On October 6 we had a ceasefire. On October 7 our communities were invaded and sadistically attacked. Israel was forced into this war. Rockets are still, on an almost daily basis, being fired at our communities, both from the south from Gaza and from the north from Hezbollah. Our innocent men, women and children are still being held hostage in Gaza under appalling conditions, starved, tortured and abused.

While a potential ceasefire deal and the release of hostages is being discussed, it won't prevent Israel from operating in Rafah. If negotiations are successful, the Rafah operation may be delayed. However, the imperative remains; whether through surrender or military defeat, Hamas strongholds in Rafah must be eliminated.

Calls to forgo Rafah operation are calls for Israel to surrender

Any call from the world's representatives...