Egypt Daily News - Hours after Israeli sources announced to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper that the position of the Israeli military establishment would be decided in the coming hours regarding the invasion of Rafah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli army would launch a ground attack “with or without” a truce with the Hamas movement.

Netanyahu announced that “the process of evacuating the residents of Rafah has already begun, in preparation for the military operation that will take place soon.” His government will not accept a settlement regarding Rafah. Netanyahu hinted at the possibility of reaching a minimal exchange deal due to what he described as Hamas continuing to harden its positions, and that Israel will not accept absolute withdrawal. Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that the Israeli army has completed its preparations for the expected operation in Rafah.

On the other hand, the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor called for an international investigation into “the possibility of Israel using thermal weapons that lead to the evaporation or melting of the victims’ bodies.”