breaking news
Hamas says it wants to accept an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a ceasefire. The terrorist organization announced this on the Internet. Israel reacted promptly – and called the draft unacceptable.
The Palestinian organization Hamas has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a ceasefire in the Middle East war. The head of Hamas’ political bureau, Ismail Haniya, informed both mediators that Hamas accepted their proposal for a ceasefire agreement, the Palestinian organization said on its website. To this end, he spoke on the phone to the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and the Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.
A high-ranking representative of the Palestinian organization said it was now up to Israel. “After Hamas agreed to the mediators’ proposal for a ceasefire, it is now up to the Israeli occupying power whether it agrees to the agreement or obstructs it,” the Hamas representative, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP.
Israel rejects proposal
In an initial reaction, Israel called the draft “unacceptable.” The Reuters news agency quoted an Israeli insider who spoke of a “watered-down proposal from Egypt” to which Hamas was referring.
According to Israeli media, it was also said that this was not the deal that Israel negotiated with Egypt around 10 days ago. It appears to be a ploy by Hamas to make Israel appear as the party that opposes a deal, the insider told Reuters.
What exactly the proposal, which Hamas has now approved, entails is not yet known in detail. Most recently, there was talk of a multi-stage plan that included the release of hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli soldiers. It is unclear whether the agreement includes Hamas’ main demand for an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Rafah’s evacuation is imminent
Hours earlier, Israel had asked about 100,000 Palestinians to begin evacuating the southern Gaza town of Rafah. An Israeli military offensive on the city was expected. Affected residents should head to the Al-Mawasi area near the coast. In Al-Mawasi, aid has been expanded; field hospitals, tents, food and water are available, said military spokesman Nadav Shoschani.
Following the news of the acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, people in Rafah took to the streets in celebration. According to Israel, the city is Hamas’s last stronghold. Israel has set its sights on dismantling the militant Islamist organization that killed more than 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped around 250 in a terrorist attack with allies in early October.