12 May 2024

Hamas Is to Blame for Israel's Rafah Operation | Opinion

Bassem Eid

As a Palestinian human rights activist, I feel compelled to weigh in on the ongoing military operation in Rafah, which has been often misrepresented in various circles. This operation, led by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is not merely a response to aggression but a crucial rescue mission aimed at freeing hostages, including U.S. citizens. The responsibility for this escalation lies squarely with the terrorist group Hamas, which has continuously rejected multiple ceasefire proposals and escalated violence against civilians.

Hamas, entrenched in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, has exploited the city's strategic position and civilian infrastructure to fortify its military capabilities. Hamas still has four battalions in Rafah, the bulk of its undamaged fighting strength. By rejecting ceasefire after ceasefire—regardless of recent stunts—Hamas has not only endangered the lives of Palestinians and Israelis alike, but also manipulated the deteriorating humanitarian situation to its advantage. Each refusal to engage in peaceful negotiations has been a calculated decision to sustain conflict and suffering, primarily aimed at garnering international sympathy through the lens of victimhood.

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