Israel has expressed skepticism over a ceasefire offer from Hamas, despite the militant group’s announcement that it has accepted a proposal from mediators.
The development comes as residents of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, flee in fear of an Israeli assault.
Hamas stated that its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, had informed Qatari and Egyptian mediators of the group’s acceptance of their proposal.
However, an Israeli official, speaking anonymously, claimed that the proposal was a “watered-down” version of an earlier Egyptian offer and included elements that Israel could not accept.
The Israeli military has continued its operations in Gaza, including strikes on Rafah, which has served as a refuge for over a million displaced Gazans.
The US State Department has urged a ceasefire and increased humanitarian assistance, with White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stating that reaching an agreement would be the “absolute best outcome.”
The situation remains fluid and uncertain, with residents of Rafah facing evacuation orders and intense bombardment.
The international community continues to push for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
