"Netanyahu's Determination: Invading Rafah Despite Potential Cease-fire with Hamas"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to invade the Gaza Strip city of Rafah regardless of reaching a hostage exchange agreement with Hamas, stating that the operation will happen with or without a deal. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's commitment to minimizing harm to civilians and indicated that the invasion would signal a step towards victory in the war against Hamas. The Israeli government's post-war plan for Gaza, which includes seeking open-ended control over security and civilian affairs, was rejected by Palestinian officials, while Netanyahu's rejection of a unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state was backed by the Israeli Parliament.