2024-02-17 20:29:38
(CNN) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that there is a “large area” in northern Rafah to which people can flee if Israel continues its military operations against Hamas there. Nearly 1.5 million Palestinians are searching for shelter in the southern Gaza Strip, near the border with Egypt.
“It has been proven that our ability to enter Rafah is realistic,” Netanyahu said in a press conference on Saturday, adding that there is room for the displaced to move north, but “we must do so in an organized way.”
He noted that he spoke with US President Joe Biden this week, explaining: “I tell him and other leaders every day that Israel will fight until we achieve complete victory, and this also includes the ground attack in Rafah, of course after we allow the citizens there to evacuate to other safe places.” He added, “Whoever wants to prevent us from working in Rafah tells us that we will lose the war.”
According to a White House statement, when Biden spoke with Netanyahu on Thursday, he urged him not to proceed with operations without “a credible and implementable plan to ensure the safety and support of civilians in Rafah.”
Regarding the hostage talks, Netanyahu said that “Hamas’ demands are delusional,” such as stopping the war, allowing Hamas “to remain as it is,” and releasing thousands of Palestinian prisoners.
When asked about his political party’s proposal to hold new elections, he said: “The last thing we need now is new elections that would divide us even further. If there is one thing Hamas is waiting for, it is a political battle in Israel. We have to reach unity.”
This comes as thousands took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Caesarea on Saturday, demanding the dismissal of Netanyahu and his government.
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