JERUSALEM. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the military campaign into Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, amidst mounting international pressure. Despite calls for restraint from various quarters, Netanyahu remains resolute in his stance, asserting the necessity of completing the operation while ensuring the safety of civilians.
In a video address to the pro-Israel AIPAC organization conference in Washington, D.C., Netanyahu emphasized the importance of minimizing harm to civilians: “We will finish the job in Rafah while enabling the civilian population to get out of harm’s way.”
Netanyahu’s declaration comes in the face of opposition from European Union leaders, who are poised to urge Israel to refrain from initiating a ground operation in Rafah. A draft text of conclusions from an upcoming summit highlights concerns for the safety of the civilian population, urging the Israeli government to exercise restraint in the conflict zone.
While the draft text is subject to approval from all 27 EU national leaders at the summit scheduled for March 21 and 22, U.S. President Joe Biden has already voiced criticism of Netanyahu’s approach. Biden expressed concern that the ongoing military actions may be detrimental to Israel’s interests, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with the country’s values.
As tensions escalate in the region and international scrutiny intensifies, Netanyahu’s determination to press forward with the military campaign in Rafah underscores the complexities of the situation and the challenges of balancing security concerns with humanitarian considerations.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
