"Israel's Threat of Ground Assault on Rafah Amid Hostage Crisis"

Israel's war objective remains victory, with the destruction of Hamas's infrastructure and the killing or capture of fighters and leaders as key metrics. The upcoming offensive in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, presents tactical advantages but also major complications, including the need to coordinate with Egypt. The return of displaced Palestinians, urban geography, and potential mass exodus pose challenges. Israel is determined to win the war in Rafah while preserving strategic cooperation with Egypt.