Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave an interview to ABC News, stating that before the operation in Rafah begins, the IDF will allow residents to leave the battle zone. He dismissed predictions of a humanitarian catastrophe as 'baseless'.

Netanyahu, as quoted by ABC, affirmed, "Victory is achievable. We will reach the last remaining battalions of Hamas terrorists in Rafah, their final stronghold. We will succeed."

He added, "We're making efforts to prevent civilian suffering, while Hamas seeks the opposite. Those who advocate against entering Rafah are essentially advocating for our defeat and for Hamas to maintain power."