Hamas: Israeli ground offensive in Rafah would end hostage negotiations

An Israeli ground offensive in Rafah would lead to the end of hostage negotiations, Al-Aqsa reported Sunday, quoting a leadership source in Hamas. CNN first took notice of the interview of the Hamas-run television channel.

In a statement on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said it had instructed the army to plan for the evacuation of the civilians from Rafah in anticipation of a ground assault in the area.

In an interview with ABC, Netanyahu called Rafah the “last bastion” of Hamas and said Israel was “working out a detailed plan” to secure “safe passage” for civilians. In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu mentioned that there is sufficient space north of Rafah for evacuating residents.