Minister and war cabinet member Benny Gantz issued a statement last night (Monday), noting that the IDF's activity in Rafah is also aimed at helping free the Israeli hostages.
In his statement, Gantz said: "I wish to appeal to the citizens of Israel and especially the families of hostages. We face a cruel enemy. We will never weaken our effort to return our hostages. We will continue to work for their return as a war aim, but first and foremost as a supreme moral duty."
According to Gantz, "the negotiation team and professional staff are continuing to work non-stop, and are also examining the proposal which Hamas delivered which does not match the dialogue which took place thus far vis-a-vis the mediators and which contains significant gaps. Despite this, we continue to turn every stone and a delegation will be sent to Cairo."
"There will be no political consideration"
Gantz went on to say that "any decision will be brought before the war cabinet - and there will be no political considerations. The military operation in Rafah is also an inseparable part of the continued efforts and our commitment to return our hostages and change the security situation in the South. We will continue all efforts to bring them home."