Large civilian population sheltering in Rafah ‘must be protected’

Liberal Senator Dave Sharma says Israel supports the elimination of Hamas as the IDF looks to launch an offensive in Rafah. Israeli troops will be deployed despite international concerns it could endanger the lives of the 1.5 million Palestinians in the area. The Israeli Prime Minister has promised to help facilitate humanitarian aid in Gaza. “Now, obviously, any military operation must minimalise civilian casualties, and the large civilian population that is sheltering in Rafah needs to be protected,” Mr Sharma told Sky News Australia. “I expect Israel will do that, but clearly, they are committed to finishing this war against Hamas and making sure they cannot mount the same kind of terror attacks on October 7 again.”