Israel's Netanyahu is determined to launch a ground offensive in Rafah. Here's why, and why it matters.

Israel is determined to launch a ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost town, a plan that has raised global alarm because of the potential for harm to more than a million Palestinian civilians sheltering there — in addition to the risk of harming Israeli hostages who could be held captive in the city. Even as the U.S., Egypt and Qatar push for a cease-fire deal they hope can avert an assault on Rafah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated …