Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday to create a dual plan for Rafah that would focus on civilian evacuation as well as on the destruction of remaining Hamas battalions.
"It is impossible to achieve the war goal of eliminating Hamas and leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah. On the other hand, it is clear that a massive operation in Rafah requires the evacuation of the civilian population from the combat zones," Netanyahu said in a statement posted on his office's website.
Meanwhile, Western leaders raised concerns over Israel's fixation on Rafah, saying that it is "alarming" that the country is considering conducting a military operation in the area.
