Israel announced last night that it was examining the mediators’ ceasefire proposal, accepted by Hamas, but considered that it fell far short of its demands. As a result, Israel confirmed that it would continue its military operation at Rafah on Monday 6 May

Hamas said it accepted a truce proposal submitted by the mediators, after the start of the Israeli operation to evacuate tens of thousands of people from Rafah, in the south of the besieged Gaza Strip.

Following this announcement by Hamas, the Israeli army stepped up its bombardments in the east of the overcrowded Rafah, prompting residents to evacuate.

Israel explains that this evacuation is intended to prepare the ground for a possible military operation on the ground in Rafah, although this prospect has aroused international opposition, particularly from the United States, Israel’s main ally, and international organisations.

Hamas has informed Egypt and Qatar, the mediators with the United States, of its acceptance of the ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, which has been ravaged by seven months of war.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that this proposal fell far short of Israel’s demands. Despite this, Israel announced that it was sending a delegation to continue mediation talks with a view to reaching a ceasefire agreement.

According to a Hamas official, Khalil al-Hayya, the truce proposal comprises three phases, each lasting 42 days, and aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, including a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the return of displaced persons.

The UN Secretary General has called on Israel and Hamas to make further efforts to reach a truce.

While negotiations continue, Rafah, which has become a refuge for more than a million people, was the scene of scenes of joy following the announcement of the truce by Hamas.