On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his determination to launch an operation in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, regardless of the outcome of the ceasefire talks with Hamas. This was reported by the Times of Israel.

He added that this decision had already been announced at a meeting with the families of the victims and hostages.

Netanyahu also emphasized that Israel intends to enter Rafah and destroy Hamas battalions, with or without a ceasefire agreement, in order to achieve a complete victory.

This statement was made in the context of negotiations on a possible truce with Hamas, which aim to free hostages and prevent an Israeli offensive on Rafah, which could endanger the civilian population.

Netanyahu is also under pressure from his partners in the government to refrain from making deals with Hamas, which could hamper Israel's plans in Rafah.