Israel’s military has confirmed carrying out “targeted strikes” on Hamas positions in eastern Rafah, rejecting Hamas’s ceasefire proposal.
The skies over the Gazan city were illuminated by flares overnight as continuous Israeli bombardment persisted.
In response to the Israeli strikes, armed factions in Gaza fired rockets into southern Israel.
Ceasefire negotiations are set to resume in Cairo following Hamas’s announcement that it would accept a deal facilitated by Egyptian mediators.
However, Israel has dismissed the proposed agreement, stating it falls short of meeting its “core demands.”
The specifics of Hamas’s acceptance remain unclear, but the proposal is believed to involve the release of hostages and the return of displaced Palestinians within Gaza.
Despite the ongoing military operations, Israel’s war cabinet has decided to send a delegation to participate in indirect talks in Cairo.
The recent developments come after celebrations erupted in Gaza following Hamas’s announcement of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
However, Israel’s subsequent actions, including targeted strikes in Rafah, cast doubt on the prospects of an immediate cessation of hostilities.
US President Joe Biden has expressed concerns to Israel’s Prime Minister regarding a potential full offensive in Rafah, particularly given the area’s high population density and the presence of displaced individuals.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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