In a significant development amidst escalating tensions in Gaza, Hamas announced on Monday its acceptance of a proposed truce, following Israel’s call for Palestinians in Rafah to evacuate in anticipation of a potential invasion. The announcement sparked jubilant scenes on the streets, with crowds cheering and celebratory gunfire echoing through the air.
There has been no immediate official response from Israel, although the United States, a close ally, stated it is “reviewing” Hamas’s decision. Hamas, in a statement, revealed that its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, had communicated the acceptance of the ceasefire proposal to mediators from Qatar and Egypt.
A senior Hamas official emphasized that the onus now lies on Israel to either accept the truce or impede its implementation. Earlier on Monday, Israel had urged Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah, heightening concerns globally about the potential consequences of an Israeli ground incursion into the southern Gaza city bordering Egypt.
The evacuation call came after weekend negotiations in Cairo between Israel and Hamas failed to reach an agreement, reportedly stalling due to a Hamas rocket attack that claimed the lives of four Israeli soldiers. Despite the evacuation order and the ongoing deadlock, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou affirmed the movement’s commitment to continuing negotiations positively.
Meanwhile, international figures have voiced their concerns over the escalating situation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesperson condemned the evacuation order, labeling it as “impossible to carry out safely.” Similarly, the European Union’s foreign affairs chief called the orders “unacceptable,” urging Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.
As tensions persist and negotiations continue, efforts are underway to salvage the peace talks and prevent further escalation in the conflict. CIA Director Bill Burns is reportedly engaging in “emergency” discussions in Doha, aiming to bring the negotiations “back on track” amid the fragile situation.
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