The battle for Rafah in the southern part of the Gaza Strip is decisive for Israel, which has been waging more than seven months of war against "Hamas". This was stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported France Presse, quoted by BTA.
"This battle that started on May 7 is a battle that will decide many things in this campaign," the prime minister said in an address to soldiers deployed in the Rafah area. He added that the battle was directed only "against the remaining battalions" of "Hamas", but also against their "escape and supply routes".
This is a "difficult moment," Netanyahu added, hours after Israel announced the deaths of five Israeli soldiers killed by Israeli tank fire on a building where they were gathered in the northern part of the Palestinian territory, which is arena of intense fighting in recent days.
"But your actions help bring the battle to an end. Ending this battle will be a big step towards defeating the enemy," he added.