Israel indicates March deadline for Gaza ground offensive in Rafah

Benny Gantz has said unless Hamas frees all the hostages that are being held in Gaza by 10 March, an offensive will be launched in Rafah.

It’s the first time that the Israeli war cabinet member has suggested when its troops might enter Rafah – an overcrowded southern city.

There has been global opposition to suggestions that the area could be attacked. There are currently around 1.5 million Palestinians sheltered.

Earlier, the UN public health agency said a key Gaza hospital had ceased to function following an Israeli raid.

The WHO has said it had not been allowed to enter Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, north of Rafah, to assess the situation.

Speaking on Sunday, Gantz, said: “The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know – if by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue everywhere, to include the Rafah area”.

Ramadan – the Islamic holy month of fasting – this year begins on 10 March.