Israel indicates March deadline for Gaza ground offensive in Rafah - BBC News

A war cabinet member says unless Hamas frees all hostages by 10 March an assault will begin in Rafah.

14 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, ReutersImage caption, The Hamas-run health authority reported casualties and destruction in recent Israeli air strikes in RafahIsraeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has warned that unless Hamas frees all hostages held in Gaza by 10 March an offensive will be launched in Rafah.

It is the first time Israel has said when its troops might enter Gaza's overcrowded southern city.

Global opposition is growing to such an attack in Rafah, where some 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.

Earlier, the UN public health agency said a key Gaza hospital had ceased to function following an Israeli raid.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it had not been allowed to enter Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis, north of Rafah, to assess the situation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-68334510

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