Official announcements from Hamas or credible news sources

Netanyahu: Intense Phase of Gaza Fighting Nears End, Forces to Move to Rafah and Northern Border

Jun 23, 2024, 06:41 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the phase of intense fighting against Hamas in Gaza is nearing its end. Despite this, the conflict in Gaza will continue, with Israeli forces set to move towards the northern border with Lebanon after completing operations in Rafah. A senior Israeli official confirmed that negotiations over a ceasefire deal with Hamas have reached a dead end, with Israel unwilling to support a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza. The Israeli military is preparing to declare the defeat of Hamas as it concludes its operations in Gaza. However, the hostage deal and ceasefire talks have stalled, with mediators lacking leverage over Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to persuade him to accept the deal. Israel's public broadcasting corporation reports that operations in the new third phase of the conflict will be carried out in a 'different way'.