After rockets rained down on Tel Aviv this week for the first time in about four month months, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant blamed Rafah for the attacks while simultaneously vowing to have Israel Defense Forces (IDF) forge even deeper into the southern Gaza enclave, this despite a ceasefire order from the United Nations (UN) World Court (ICJ) and other international bodies.
"Our goals in Gaza are emphasized here in Rafah: to destroy Hamas, return the hostages and maintain freedom of operation," Gallant told Israeli troops.
"Regarding the hostage issue – we are making tremendous efforts and will continue to do so, via both physical activities and by reaching agreements."
Gallant also said he will continue to carry out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's order to not stop the war until Hamas is fully eradicated.
"Remember: your job is to eliminate Hamas, to win this war," Gallant continued. "Our job is to take it [your achievement] and take it to the next level in Gaza and across the Middle East. These issues are connected."
Rafah, the last stronghold of Hamas
After sustaining eight rocket attacks in central Israel, which resulted in at least one Israeli house being damaged, Israeli leaders reiterated their call for total victory in Gaza.
Not only is Rafah believed to be the last place where Hamas militants are hiding, but Israel also says it is among the last locations where major rocket stockpiles still exist.
It is also possible that Hamas is still manufacturing rockets in Rafah, though the IDF believes it has probably already destroyed all of the weapons-manufacturing factories.
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