Israel has officially declined a ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas, announcing its intention to continue its assault on the town of Rafah in southern Gaza.The Israeli military confirmed that it is conducting “targeted strikes” against Hamas in the eastern part of Rafah, which represents the group’s final stronghold in Gaza.
Reports from the Associated Press indicated that Israeli tanks had entered Rafah, advancing to within 200 meters of the city’s crossing with Egypt. An Egyptian official suggested that the operation appeared to have limited objectives.
Despite Hamas announcing its acceptance of a ceasefire proposal conveyed by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the truce offer does not meet Israel’s demands. However, Israel has agreed to send a delegation to engage in negotiations today to seek a resolution.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that its delegation would travel to Cairo, Egypt, to continue facilitating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. Egypt and Qatar have been actively mediating discussions between the two parties over the past several months.
In response to the developments, thousands of Israelis staged protests across the country, demanding an immediate agreement. In Jerusalem, demonstrators marched towards Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, brandishing a banner stating, “The blood is on your hands.”
An Israeli official characterized Hamas’s announcement as a “ploy intended to portray Israel as the party rejecting a deal.”
Warnings from aid organizations underscore the potential humanitarian catastrophe of an attack on Rafah, home to 1.4 million Palestinians.
Israeli airstrikes conducted on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals in Rafah, including a child and a woman, according to hospital officials.
US President Joe Biden reiterated concerns about an invasion of Rafah during his conversation with Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both Israel and Hamas to “make an agreement” and go “the extra mile” to achieve peace, as stated by his spokesperson.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 34,600 Palestinians killed, predominantly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The situation has been exacerbated by the looming threat of famine in the enclave.
The conflict originated when Hamas militants crossed the border into Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and the capture of hostages, many of whom remain in captivity in Gaza, according to Israeli sources.
