Hours after Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate the southern Gaza town of Rafah ahead of a military operation targeting Hamas, the militant group Hamas announced a ceasefire proposal. The news of Hamas’ announcement sparked celebrations in the streets of Rafah.
Specific details of the proposal were not immediately disclosed.
However, Egyptian and Hamas officials had previously indicated that the ceasefire would unfold in stages, involving the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza.
It remains uncertain whether the ceasefire proposal will meet Hamas’ primary demand of ending the conflict and securing a complete Israeli withdrawal.
In response to the announcement, an Israeli official familiar with the situation, who spoke anonymously, stated that Israeli authorities are evaluating the ceasefire proposal put forward by Hamas.
The official cautioned that the plan endorsed by Hamas does not align with the framework proposed by Israel.
He also stated that a final agreement may still be distant.
