Despite protests from around the world, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his intention to go on the attack in Rafah.
Israel's military strategy now centers on Rafah, which is home to over 1.5 million Palestinians who are fleeing other regions of Gaza.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is now touring the Middle East, has expressed disapproval of Netanyahu's remarks. Netanyahu, nevertheless, is unwavering in his assertion that Israel would carry out its war goals regardless of the pressure from other countries.
Netanyahu stressed the need to carry out the offensive until all objectives are achieved, such as defeating Hamas, obtaining the release of captives, and removing Gaza's threat to Israel, during a cabinet meeting. In order to accomplish these goals, he declared that Israel will expand its military operations to Rafah.
For ignoring the first Hamas strike on October 7, which started the current conflict, Netanyahu chastised his critics. Over 250 Israelis were kidnapped and there were numerous serious casualties from the attack. Over 31,400 people have died as a result of the battle, according to Gaza's health ministry, which is managed by Hamas.
Netanyahu is unwavering in the face of international condemnation. When he meets with Chancellor Scholz later, he is certain to encounter more resistance to the proposed onslaught.
Concerned about the possible humanitarian effects of such an operation, Germany has issued a warning that a large rise in casualties could endanger peace efforts.
Due to the potentially disastrous effects of a full-scale attack in Rafah, the United Nations and the United States have both issued advisories against it.
Israel has declared it will launch a military action in Rafah in response to growing pressure, and it is getting ready to evacuate residents. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) plan to send displaced Palestinians to "humanitarian islands" in Gaza; however, specifics concerning these islands are still unknown.
A delegation from Israel is anticipated to take part in the next cease-fire negotiations in Qatar. When they will depart, though, is yet unknown.
Due to the high number of civilian deaths and supply shortages, Israel's handling of the battle has come under fire, casting doubt on Gaza's humanitarian condition.
As tensions rise, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for elections to replace Netanyahu in Israel, igniting a divisive discussion within the country's political community.