Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, announced its acceptance of an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal on Monday. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions as Israel continues its military actions, particularly in the southern Gazan region of Rafah. While Hamas’s acceptance signals a potential break in the conflict, Israel maintains that the ceasefire deal does not meet its core demands and has pressed forward with military strikes in Rafah.
The IDF is currently conducting targeted strikes against Hamas terror targets in eastern Rafah in southern Gaza. pic.twitter.com/bmZgoNKXMB
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 6, 2024
Hamas’ Acceptance
The decision by Hamas to accept the ceasefire proposal was conveyed by the group’s supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in a phone call with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Egypt’s Intelligence Minister. The announcement was met positively by Palestinians in Rafah, who had been anxiously awaiting news amidst the threat of an Israeli invasion.
Israel’s Dissatisfaction
Despite Hamas’s acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, Israel has expressed dissatisfaction, maintaining that the deal falls short of meeting its core demands. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel would continue its Rafah operation.
Statement from the Prime Minister’s Office:
The War Cabinet unanimously decided this evening Israel will continue its operation in Rafah, in order to apply military pressure on Hamas so as to advance the release of our hostages and achieve the other objectives of the war.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 6, 2024
Global Concerns and Condemnation
The conflicting responses from Hamas and Israel are contributing to tensions in the region, with the prospect of a full-scale Israeli assault on Rafah drawing condemnation from the international community. President Joe Biden, for instance, reiterated concerns about the potential invasion of Rafah during a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas reportedly includes provisions for a phased ceasefire, reconstruction efforts in Gaza, the return of displaced individuals and a prisoner swap deal. However, Israel has expressed scepticism, describing the proposal as containing “far-reaching” conclusions that they are unwilling to accept.
Death Toll
According to latest figures, the death toll of the Israel-Gaza War since 7 October, 2023 stands at 35232 people killed in Palestine and 1139 in Israel. Of the former, at least 497 people have been killed in the Occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
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