Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday his intention to proceed with a highly anticipated and controversial military operation in the city of Rafah within the Gaza Strip.

Despite reports suggesting that Hamas claims to have a limited number of accounted hostages, including women, the elderly, and the ailing, Netanyahu remains determined to achieve what he calls a “complete victory” over the jihadist group by entering Rafah and eliminating the terrorist battalions present there.

In a video message shared on X, the 74-year-old Prime Minister assured the Israeli public that the operation would indeed take place, stating, “It will happen, there is a date.” However, he did not provide specific details regarding the timing or execution of the operation.

Meanwhile, negotiations for a ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas officials continue in Cairo. The talks were prompted by a proposal from CIA Director Bill Burns, who suggested that Hamas submit a list of 40 Israeli hostages who are alive and could be released on humanitarian grounds in exchange for a six-week truce.

However, according to reports from Israel’s Channel 12 news, Hamas is attempting to negotiate the release of a smaller number of hostages, claiming an inability to meet the initial request of 40 abductees made by Israeli negotiators. The discussions are ongoing as both sides seek a resolution.