Visiting Gaza, Gallant hints at imminent Rafah op: ‘Those who think we are delaying will soon see’

Visiting Gaza City, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hints that Israel will soon launch a ground operation in Rafah in southern Gaza.

“Extraordinary work is being done here above and below ground, the forces reach everywhere and the conclusion is that there is no safe place in Gaza for terrorists,” says Gallant during his visit, according to comments provided by his office.

“Even those who think that we are delaying will soon see that we will reach everyone,” he adds. “We will bring to justice anyone who was involved in October 7 — either we will eliminate them or bring them to trial in Israel. There is no safe place, not here, not outside of Gaza, not anywhere across the Middle East — we will bring everyone to their place.”

Israeli officials have repeatedly said that forces must operation in Rafah, believed to be the last remaining Hamas stronghold in the Strip, amid harsh international warnings about the safety of the more than million civilians who have taken refuge in the area.

Gallant also addresses the humanitarian situation in the Strip and the new maritime corridor for aid, saying that it will allow assistance to reach “citizens and not Hamas,” and will weaken the terror group and “strengthen our hold and improve our ability to continue fighting.”