ENTRE News – Israel began launching massive air attacks on Rafah, Monday (6/5) evening. Previously, Israel had given a warning to Palestinians to immediately leave Rafah, ahead of the invasion of the city.
“The attacks have been almost continuous in the last 30 minutes,” quoted an AFP Correspondent, in Rafah.
The attack was launched by Israel amidst the Palestinian militant group Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire proposal in Gaza. Senior Hamas member Khalil al-Hayya said the proposal agreed to by the group included a three-phase ceasefire with the aim of a permanent truce.
Hayya said each phase will last for 42 days. The deal includes plans for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the repatriation of Palestinians displaced by the ongoing war, an exchange of hostages and prisoners, as well as the goal of a permanent ceasefire. A senior Hamas official said Israel must immediately decide whether to accept or reject the ceasefire in Gaza.
“After Hamas agreed to the mediator’s proposal for a ceasefire, it is now Israel’s turn to either agree to the ceasefire agreement or block it,” said the unnamed official.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the proposal fell far short of Israel’s important demands. However, the Israeli government claims that it will send representatives to discuss these ‘objections’ until an agreement is reached.
Meanwhile, the families of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are demanding that Israel take advantage of the opportunity of Hamas’ agreement to the ceasefire proposal, to reach an agreement for the return of all the hostages.
The Forum for Families of Hostages and Families of the Disappeared said the Palestinian militant group’s announcement should pave the way for the return of hostages held for the past seven months.
“Now is the time for all parties involved to fulfill their commitments and turn this opportunity into an agreement for the return of all hostages,” quoted AFP FOR4D.
On the other hand, the United States as Israel’s ally said it would review Hamas’ response.