Netanyahu: Offensive in Rafah will come – the night update Texas plans to build a military base on the border with Mexico

Despite international warnings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unwilling to be deterred from expanding the military offensive on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. He emphasized to journalists in Jerusalem on Saturday that they would not bow to international pressure on the issue. “Anyone who wants to prevent us from operating in Rafah is ultimately telling us to lose the war.” He won’t allow that. Before the start of an offensive, the Israeli side will allow civilians in the combat areas to move to safe areas.

Israel is preparing a military offensive on the city of Rafah, which borders Egypt, to also take action there against the Islamist Hamas. Hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people have sought protection in the city in the southern Gaza Strip. Plans to expand Israeli operations in the overcrowded city have been met with major international criticism. The US, as Israel’s most important ally, also warns about this. Regarding Rafah, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is calling for the creation of long-term safe places for the people there.

Netanyahu: Will settle scores with Hamas leadership

Netanyahu reiterated that they would “settle the score” with the Hamas leadership. This is only a matter of time. No foreign rules will be imposed on the issue of a future peace settlement with the Palestinians. “A settlement can only be reached through direct negotiations between the two sides, without preconditions,” Netanyahu stressed.

The head of government also responded to media reports that the US and other partners could recognize a Palestinian state even without Israeli consent. Under his leadership, Israel will firmly oppose the “unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state,” Netanyahu said. Because after October 7, according to him, ‘there would be no higher price for this unprecedented terror’.

Reports of numerous deaths in Israeli airstrikes

Israeli airstrikes in the central part of the Gaza Strip resulted in numerous deaths on Saturday, according to Palestinian sources. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that several houses were bombed by fighter jets, including in Deir al-Balah. Eight people were killed and dozens of others were injured or buried. Paramedics even spoke of 40 deaths. Many injured people were taken to hospital. When asked, an Israeli army spokesperson said they were checking the reports.

Numerous arrests during hospital operations

The Israeli army has so far arrested about 100 people during its operation at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip. The military said on Saturday that these were “people suspected of involvement in terrorist activities.” According to the Hamas health authority, many of those arrested are medical workers.

Five patients in intensive care died due to a power outage during the Israeli operation, according to the health authority. Her oxygen supply was interrupted.

However, the military said it had not attacked the power supply. The unit working there had strict instructions to ensure the survival of the hospital. So she replaced a defective generator with a replacement device from Israel.

Missile alert in Israeli coastal town

On Saturday, another rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip at the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon. The Israeli military said the rocket was intercepted by missile defenses. “Israeli forces have identified the terrorist responsible for the attack,” the army said. He was then deliberately killed in an airstrike in the north of the Gaza Strip.

Thousands of Israelis demonstrate against government policies

Thousands of Israelis protested in several cities on Saturday against the policies of Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government. At what police said was an unauthorized large-scale gathering in the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, protesters blocked a street in both directions and lit torches. There were also protests near Netanyahu’s villa in Caesarea. Many demonstrators called for new elections. Others called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and a quick deal with Hamas to release more hostages.

Gaza war in focus of Munich Security Conference

The war in the Gaza Strip is also a central topic at the 60th Munich Security Conference. At the end of the conference, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtaje will participate on Sunday in a panel discussion on the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations, together with former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi. (sda/dpa)