Israel wants hostages released by Ramadan and threatens offensive in Rafah

Israeli minister promised to launch the ground offensive against Rafah, where around 1.4 million Palestinians have taken refuge, if the Islamist movement Hamas does not release the Israeli hostages by March 10, the beginning of Ramadan.

2024-02-19

Israel has promised to launch a ground offensive against Rafah, where around 1.4 million Palestinians have taken refuge, if the Islamist movement Hamas does not release the Israeli hostages by March 10, the start of Ramadan.

“If the hostages are not at home by Ramadan, fighting will continue everywhere, including in the Rafah region,” declared Israeli Minister Benny Gantz, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, on Sunday.

Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims, begins this year on March 10th.

“Hamas has a choice. They can surrender, release the hostages and civilians in Gaza will be able to celebrate the festival of Ramadan,” added Gantz, former head of the Israeli army, in Jerusalem.

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