For the first time, an Israeli official announced the deadline date for the release of hostages held in Gaza. In announcing the deadline, Israel declared when its troops might launch an offensive in Rafah.
Benny Gantz, an Israeli war cabinet member, warned that unless Hamas frees all the hostages held in Gaza by March 10 action will be taken in Rafah. Rafah is an overcrowded city in southern Israel. There are 1.5 million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah. Some world leaders, including President Biden, are trying to stop Israel from going into Rafah.
March 10 is a significant date for Muslims.
Speaking on Sunday, Mr. Gantz, a former defence minister, 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…
