ALBAWABA - Despite Hamas's acceptance of the Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel has decided to commence its operation in Rafah. Israeli Apache helicopters have begun providing fire support for the entry of vehicles into the Rafah area. Gaza is now facing intense shelling in the Rafah area.
Hamas, has warned the Israeli occupation to desist from taking any military action in Rafah, southern Gaza, in reaction to the rising tensions. The announcement coincides with news of increased vigilance in the Sinai area.
Any prospective military attack by the Israeli army in Rafah will encounter opposition, according to Hamas. This statement comes after the Israeli occupation notified the Palestinians in the eastern section of Rafah that they were getting ready for an attack.
Underscoring the seriousness of the situation, Hamas denounced the acts of the Israeli occupation as a "Zionist crime," charging that the Netanyahu administration is waging an unrelenting campaign of extermination against the Palestinian people in order to further its political agenda.
Hamas emphasized that they were prepared to defend their area and that the Al-Qassam Brigades will lead fierce struggle against any invasion in Rafah.
Hamas called for immediate international intervention amid escalating tensions in order to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and protect civilian lives in Rafah. They also urged humanitarian agencies, like as UNRWA, to keep up their unwavering support for the local populace.
Regarding diplomacy, Hamas placed the onus completely on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his administration, stating that any military operation in Rafah would imperil existing talks aiming at bringing an end to hostilities and enabling a prisoner exchange.
A spokesman for the Palestinian Presidency, meanwhile, released a statement denouncing Israel's alleged plans for "the largest genocide" and holding the US government responsible for supporting such dangerous Israeli practices.
