ROME
Today we will know if Hamas accepts the mini agreement – 20 last hostages left alive released in exchange for three weeks of truce after which it will be evaluated whether to reply with another 20 hostages and another three weeks – developed by Egyptian mediators and not unwelcome to Israel . Without an agreement, the Netanyahu government will give the green light to the attack on Rafah, preceded by a couple of weeks of civilian displacement. A senior Hamas official, last night, on the eve of today’s meeting in Cairo, had let it slip that the Palestinian group “has no major problems with the latest proposal from Israel and Egypt for a ceasefire in Gaza. The atmosphere is positive, unless there are new obstacles from Israel.”
In reality, the Netanyahu executive is split. According to War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz, if the government rejects the hostage deal backed by the security services, it “will not have the right to continue to exist.” Gantz’s statement comes after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionist Party, warned that the government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu will have no right to exist unless Israel invades Rafah.” With him is another far-right minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, who wrote in X that “an ill-advised agreement is equivalent to the dissolution of the government”. hostages alive, or Ben Gvir and Smotrich. maintain relations with the Americans, or Ben Gvir and Smotrich.
Yesterday the President of the United States, Joe Biden and the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a telephone conversation “discussed Rafah – says a note from the White House – and the president reiterated his clear position”. Biden reaffirmed “his firm commitment to Israel’s security and took stock of the ongoing talks to secure the release of the hostages and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.”
Secretary of State Blinken will talk about this during his mission to Saudi Arabia today and tomorrow. “Blinken will be in Saudi Arabia – said White House National Security Advisor John Kirby – to continue pushing for a truce agreement between Israel and Hamas which we want to last about six weeks to allow all the hostages to exit and to more easily provide aid delivery to Gaza.” But even a possible truce would not save Rafah in the medium term, unless the Netanyahu government falls. “Preparations for Rafah are continuing – a source from the prime minister’s office told Israeli newspapers –. Under any agreement, if there is one, Israel will not give in on the objectives of the war.” “We are committed and determined to eliminate Hamas and return the hostages to their homes. And we will do it: there are no other options” said Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. The President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Mahmoud Abbas yesterday in Riyadh he said he believes that “the Israeli military ground operation in Rafah will take place in the next few days and that only the United States can prevent Israel from attacking Rafah.” Israel has assured us that it will not go to Rafah until we have had an opportunity to share our point of view, our concerns,” said White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. A right of consultation that However, it does not mean a right of veto for America.
Alessandro Farruggia
