Israel’s consent questionable
Hamas accepts mediator’s ceasefire proposal
May 6, 2024, 7:35 p.m
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A ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas has been under negotiation for months. Now the militant Palestinian organization is accepting a proposal from Egypt and Qatar. However, Israel’s approval seems unlikely.
The militant Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza war. Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said this to the head of government of Qatar and the Egyptian intelligence minister on the phone, Hamas said. Israel did not initially comment officially. But an Israeli government official said the Egyptian draft was unacceptable.
It is a “softened” Egyptian draft, said an insider. This contains “far-reaching” conclusions with which Israel does not agree. It is apparently a ploy to portray Israel as the party that rejects an agreement. The Israeli military said any response would be seriously considered. In addition, all options regarding negotiations and the return of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas would be discussed. At the same time, however, the operation in the Gaza Strip will continue.
Turkey, however, welcomed Hamas’ agreement and called on the West to increase pressure on Israel. “Now Israel must also take this step,” said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
What exactly the Egyptian-Qatari proposal entails is still unclear. Most recently, there was talk of a multi-stage plan that included the release of hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli soldiers. It was unclear whether the agreement would meet Hamas’ main demand for an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Hours earlier, Israel had asked about 100,000 Palestinians to begin evacuating the southern Gaza town of Rafah. An Israeli military offensive on the city was expected. Affected residents should head to the Al-Mawasi area near the coast. In Al-Mawasi, aid has been expanded; field hospitals, tents, food and water are available, said military spokesman Nadav Shoschani.
Biden calls Netanyahu on the phone
Following the news of the acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, people in Rafah took to the streets in celebration. According to Israel, the city is Hamas’s last stronghold. Israel has set itself the goal of dismantling the organization, which killed more than 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped around 250 in a terrorist attack with allies in early October.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden expressed concern about the consequences of a possible military offensive on Rafah in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden “reiterated his clear position on Rafah,” the White House said. The US President has repeatedly made it clear in recent months that he rejects the planned ground offensive in the city.
In the phone call, Netanyahu assured that the Kerem Shalom border crossing with the Gaza Strip should remain open for humanitarian aid deliveries. Israel closed this border crossing after a rocket attack on Sunday.
The United States, as Israel’s closest ally, has repeatedly urged the Netanyahu government to forego a military offensive to ensure the protection of civilians there. More than a million Palestinian civilians have sought shelter in the city.