In Rafah, smoke rises as a result of Israeli strikes during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Recently, Hamas has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal to end the seven-month war. The announcement was made by Hamas’ supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in a phone call with Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence minister. These two countries have been mediating talks between Israel and Hamas for months.
Israel has not yet commented on this development. Shortly after Hamas announced its acceptance of the cease-fire proposal, Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate the southern Gaza town of Rafah in preparation for a military operation. Rafah is considered to be Hamas’ last stronghold in Gaza.
The details of the cease-fire proposal have not been released, but it is expected to take place in stages. The proposal involves Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Israeli troop pullbacks from Gaza. It remains uncertain whether the deal will meet Hamas’ demand for an end to the war and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
News of Hamas’ acceptance of the cease-fire proposal has sparked celebrations in Rafah, with people cheering in the streets. This situation is still developing and more information is expected to emerge as negotiations continue.
