Jerusalem, Apr 8: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated his pledge to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah, declaring: “There is a date.”

Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel must send ground forces into Rafah, saying it is Hamas' last stronghold in Gaza. But the international community, including the U.S., opposes the operation, saying the roughly 1.4 million civilians seeking shelter there will be in danger.

Israel has insisted it has a plan to protect the civilians.

In a video statement Monday, Netanyahu said the Rafah operation is essential for victory.

“It will happen. There is a date,” he said, without elaborating.

He spoke as Israeli negotiators were in Cairo discussing international efforts to broker a cease-fire deal with Hamas.

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Hubballi (PTI): Distressed over Anjali Ambigera's brutal murder four days ago, her sister Yashoda Ambigera attempted suicide, their grandmother Gangamma Ambigera has said.

Speaking to reporters, Gangamma said Yashoda consumed phenyl as she was missing Anjali.

Anjali was stabbed to death by her neibhour Girish Sawant on May 15 as she did not entertain his proposal for marriage.

Gangamma said Yashoda was also depressed because she felt her sister would not get justice, as the accused Girish Sawant was arrested and is "living comfortably" in police custody.

"Yashodha was upset that her sister was not getting justice and her murderer was leading a comfortable life and is getting good treatment in a hospital. So, she consumed it (phenyl). She is okay now," Gangamma said.

She demanded that the accused be "eliminated".

Meanwhile, the BJP charged that law and order has deteriorated in the state.

"Murderers are having a field day due to deteriorating law and order," Karnataka Leader of opposition R Ashoka alleged.