February 25, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday that he will seek cabinet approval next week for a ground operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population has sought shelter from Israeli bombings elsewhere.

Writing on X, Netanyahu said he will convene his cabinet at the beginning of the upcoming week to approve "the operational plans for action in Rafah, including the evacuation of the civilian population."

"Only a combination of military pressure and firm negotiations will lead to the release of our hostages, the elimination of Hamas, and the achievement of all the war's objectives," he wrote.

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