900 Israeli soldiers' parents urge military to halt 'deathtrap' offensive in Gaza's Rafah

The parents of over 900 Israeli soldiers serving in Gaza have penned a letter urging the military to call off an impending offensive in Rafah, labeling it a “dangerous trap” for their children.

In the letter sent on May 2nd to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Herzi Halevi, the parents express grave concerns about the safety of their sons and daughters. They highlight the extensive warnings and announcements preceding the planned incursion into Rafah, suggesting that opposing forces are actively preparing to harm Israeli troops.

“We are deeply worried about the physical and mental exhaustion of our children,” the letter states. “Sending them into such a perilous situation seems reckless.”

Initially signed by around 600 parents, the letter has garnered support from an additional 300 parents in recent days, totaling over 900 signatures.

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The situation in Rafah has escalated in recent weeks, with over 350,000 Palestinians evacuating the area following Israeli warnings of an imminent military assault. Despite pressure from the United States to hold off on a full-scale attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained firm in his stance to proceed with the offensive.

Anat, the mother of an Israeli special forces soldier deployed in Gaza, voiced concerns about the readiness of Hamas to counter Israeli forces in Rafah. “Hamas had ample time to prepare the area to harm our soldiers,” she remarked. “We are extremely worried about their safety.”

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Israel views Rafah as a critical target in its mission to dismantle Hamas, eliminate its leadership, and secure the release of Israeli hostages. While Hamas has reasserted control in other parts of Gaza following IDF operations, Rafah remains a contentious stronghold.