Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the "intense phase of fighting" against the Palestinian militant group Hamas is "nearly over" and added that ground operation in Rafah is expected to end soon.
The prime minister expressed Israel's readiness to agree to a partial deal with Hamas, which would ensure a pause in fighting in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the return of hostages that have been held captive in the Palestinian enclave by Hamas. However, Netanyahu stressed that the military would carry on with its military operation after the humanitarian pause.
The prime minister's remarks contradict the proposal previously outlined by United States President Joe Biden.
