Hamas agrees to Gaza cease-fire, Israel persists with Rafah attacks while continuing talks
- In Reports
- 04:42 PM, May 07, 2024
- Myind Staff
Hamas accepted an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal, but Israel rejected it, continuing its assault on Rafah. Negotiations are ongoing, with slim hope for a pause in the war. The US opposes an Israeli assault on Rafah, fearing disastrous consequences for Palestinians there.
Hours after Israel ordered the evacuation of 100,000 Palestinians from eastern Rafah, Hamas accepted the cease-fire deal. Israel conducted targeted strikes in eastern Rafah and sent tanks within 200 meters of the Rafah-Egypt crossing. The incursion followed Hamas militants' mortar attack that killed four Israeli soldiers near the crossing.
The Egyptian official suggested the operation was limited, but its scope couldn't be verified independently. Israeli airstrikes hit other parts of Rafah, killing at least five, including a child and a woman.
Israel's War Cabinet decided to continue the operation despite Hamas accepting the truce proposal. Netanyahu's office stated the proposal didn't meet Israel's demands but sent negotiators to Egypt. Qatar also announced sending a team to Egypt.
President Biden expressed concerns to Netanyahu about a Rafah invasion. The U.S. State Department is reviewing Hamas's response and discussing it with regional partners. It's unclear if the Hamas proposal differs from the one Blinken urged them to accept. The U.S. is assessing if Hamas's agreement aligns with the version approved by Israel and international negotiators.
The proposal involves a multiple-stage cease-fire, starting with a limited hostage release and partial Israeli troop pullbacks. Negotiations for a "permanent calm" would lead to full hostage release and greater Israeli withdrawal. Hamas seeks guarantees for complete Israeli withdrawal, but it's unclear if changes were made. Israeli leaders reject this trade-off, aiming to destroy Hamas after its Oct. 7 attack.
Netanyahu is pressured by hard-line coalition partners to attack Rafah, risking government collapse if he agrees to a deal. However, families of hostages urge for a swift resolution to bring their loved ones home safely, fearing further danger from a ground operation.
Thousands of Israelis rally nationwide, demanding an immediate agreement. American opposition is strong, citing a lack of credible plans to protect Palestinian civilians in Rafah.
Global alarm rises over looming Israeli operation in Rafah. Aid agencies warn of increased civilian deaths and disruption to humanitarian aid efforts. Israelis ordered Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah, directing them to a declared humanitarian zone called Muwasi, but it's unclear if it's fully prepared.
Around 450,000 displaced Palestinians are sheltering in Muwasi, where conditions are dire. Israeli airstrikes killed 22 people in Rafah, prompting evacuation orders. Palestinians face uncertainty and exhaustion after months of displacement. Hamas sparked the war with a raid into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting hostages. They still hold around 100 hostages and the bodies of around 30 others.
Image source: AP News
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