"Netanyahu's Firm Stance: Israel's Plan for Rafah Operation Amid Ceasefire Talks"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces will move into the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, regardless of the outcome of talks to pause the fighting. He stated that "total victory" is the goal and within reach, and that the move into Rafah would be delayed only if a cease-fire deal is reached. The potential for mass civilian casualties has drawn warnings from the United States, but Netanyahu believes Israel could be "weeks away" from total victory once the operation in Rafah begins.