ollowing his recent approval of a plan to invade Rafah – where 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that the military is preparing to advance.
The so-called “triumvirate” war cabinet comprising Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and former opposition leader Benny Gantz, had already reached a consensus on a Rafah incursion to take control of the Philadelphi corridor (also called the Philadelphi route or Saladin axis).
In an address to the US pro-Israel lobby group Aipac, Netanyahu insisted that the “road to victory runs through Rafah”, a strategy that he boasts has “overwhelming support” within Israeli society.
Yet, while Israeli politicians’ threats of an imminent invasion of Rafah are directing the world’s attention to the south, the government has accelerated steps on the ground in northern Gaza to consolidate its occupation and ensure its longevity……more
