Israeli PM Netanyahu Rejects Humanitarian Pauses in Rafah as Pressure to Call Elections Grows
Protests in Tel Aviv demanding hostages exchange and snap elections. Photo: EFE/EPA/ABIR SULTAN
June 16, 2024 Hour: 1:21 pm
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu refused on Sunday to set pauses in the fighting in Rafah, in the southern outskirts of the Gaza Strip, to allow the entry of more humanitarian aid that can alleviate the crisis caused by more than 8 months of siege in the Gaza Strip.
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The Prime Minister affirmed during an interview with an Israeli television channel that the decisions he makes to “eleminar” the Palestinian armed resistance are not always accepted by the military command of the country after labeling in a first statement “unacceptable” the “tactical pauses” announced by his army hours earlier in the southern Gaza Strip to allow the entry of humanitarian aid.
A statement by Israeli forces early this Sunday reported the establishment of a “tactical pause” of military activity from the crossing of Kerem Shalom (one of the few in operation) and the European Hospital of Khan Younis, also to the south to allow the entry of humanitarian aid.
After the disavowal of the Israeli president, came the usual criticisms of two of the most radical ministers of the coalition government: the National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, and the Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who oppose a truce or a ceasefire to the exchange of prisoners.
Human rights organizations report that the humanitarian situation in the southern city of Rafah has worsened following the start of the Israeli ground invasion, as the Rafah crossing remains closed and aid entering through the other crossing, Kerem Shalom’s is not enough to meet the needs of the Gazans in this area.
Meanwhile, the Netanyahu executive faces another week of protests called by the Israeli civilian movement demanding early elections before the anniversary of Hamas’ Al Aqsa operation on 7 October.
This Sunday the first demonstrations began with the blockade of several highways and highways, and will continue tomorrow with a massive march in the afternoon before the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in Jerusalem. The goal of the groups is to convene at least one million people.
In recent months, the movement has also been joined by the families of the Israeli hostages in Gaza, who are calling for a ceasefire agreement that will allow the release of the 116 hostages who remain in the Palestinian enclave, which already has more than 37,200 dead.
Among their demands is also that of equal military service, after Israeli legislators agreed last week to process a bill to shore up the traditional military exemption of ultra-orthodox Jewish students.