Netanyahu says "intense" fighting against Hamas ends, but war continues

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (23 June) that the current phase of ''intense" fighting against Hamas in Gaza was almost over. Netanyahu says the ground offensive in the southern town of Rafah is ending. 

"After the intense phase is finished, we will have the possibility to move part of the forces north. And we will do this. First and foremost for defensive purposes. And secondly, to bring our (evacuated) residents home," Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel's Channel 14.

If fewer soldiers are needed in Gaza soon, Netanyahu said, more troops could be deployed on the border with Lebanon. There have been almost daily exchanges of strikes between the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and the Israeli army since the Hamas terror cross-border attack on 7 October 2023 that triggered the Gaza war. Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire nearly every day since then, but the fighting has escalated in recent weeks, raising fears of a full-blown war.

According to Netanyahu, the troops are deployed mainly for defence, but also to allow expatriate Israelis to return home. Because of the violence, tens of thousands of people have left their homes in the border area.

Source: commonspace.eu with agencies
Photo: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Channel 14 on 23 June 2024, in the first interview he's given to an Israeli news channel since 7 October 2023. Channel 14.

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
 European Court of Human Rights orders Russia to compensate Georgia for violations committed after 2008 war

European Court of Human Rights orders Russia to compensate Georgia for violations committed after 2008 war

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ordered Russia to pay Georgia over €250 million for violations committed after the brief war between the two countries in 2008. Russia has stated that it will not comply with the decision of the ECHR. The Court decided on Tuesday 14th October that Russia had stopped people from crossing freely into Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgian regions that Moscow recognised as independent after the 16-day war. According to the Court, Russia committed violations including excessive use of force, ill-treatment, unlawful detention and unlawful restrictions on day-to-day movement across the administrative boundary line between Georgian-controlled territory and the Russian-backed breakaway regions.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
 European Court of Human Rights orders Russia to compensate Georgia for violations committed after 2008 war

European Court of Human Rights orders Russia to compensate Georgia for violations committed after 2008 war

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ordered Russia to pay Georgia over €250 million for violations committed after the brief war between the two countries in 2008. Russia has stated that it will not comply with the decision of the ECHR. The Court decided on Tuesday 14th October that Russia had stopped people from crossing freely into Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgian regions that Moscow recognised as independent after the 16-day war. According to the Court, Russia committed violations including excessive use of force, ill-treatment, unlawful detention and unlawful restrictions on day-to-day movement across the administrative boundary line between Georgian-controlled territory and the Russian-backed breakaway regions.