Phase of more intense fighting “close to ending” – DW – 06/23/2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this Sunday (06/23/2024) that the most intense phase of the battle against Hamas in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip was about to end, but the war would not end until the Islamist group no longer has control over the Palestinian enclave. These statements were made in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, the first since the start of the conflict with Hamas.

According to the prime minister, “this does not mean that the war is about to end, but that the war in its most intense phase is close to ending in Rafah.” He has been able to divert those units to the northern border, where the fighting against the Lebanese group Hezbollah has intensified.

“After the most acute phase is over, we will have the possibility to move a part of the army to the north. And that is what we will do. First of all for defensive purposes, but also to bring our residents (evacuees) home,” Netanyahu said. “If possible, we will do it diplomatically. If not, we will do it another way. But we will take (residents) home.”

Civil Administration

Due to constant gunfire between the Israel Defense Forces and militants from the Lebanese group Hezbollah, several Israeli towns near the Lebanese border have been evacuated in recent months. This has meant that thousands of Israelis have had to flee their homes.

Despite the possible end to the most intense fighting, Netanyahu made clear that Israeli forces would continue to operate in Gaza. “I am not willing to end the war and leave Hamas as it is,” he said. Netanyahu said he was open to a “partial” agreement that would allow the release of hostages, and he also reiterated his opposition to the Palestinian National Authority, based in the West Bank, running Gaza instead of Hamas.

“We want to create a civilian administration, if possible together with the Palestinians in the area, and perhaps with external support from countries in the region, to provide humanitarian aid and then manage civilian affairs in the Strip,” Netanyahu said. “Ultimately, two things must happen: continued demilitarization and the establishment of a civilian administration.”

DZC (Reuters, AFP)