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.
Earlier, The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that even if Hamas accepted the truce plan that Egypt and Qatar brokered, military operations in Rafah continue.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the statement revealed preparations to send a delegation to Cairo and reaffirmed Israel's commitment to its activities in the area.
Netanyahu also added: "While Hamas' proposal may not fully meet Israel's stipulated conditions for a ceasefire, the Israeli government remains committed to diplomatic efforts. "
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced hope in reaction to Hamas's acceptance of the ceasefire deal, praising the action and asking Israel to do the same.
Hossein Amir Abdullahian, the Iranian Foreign Minister, divulged information on his discussion with Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, saying that Hamas expressed its approval of the ceasefire plan and reiterated its commitment to peace. Abdullahian emphasized that in order to further diplomatic efforts, Israel's reaction is crucial.
Following Hamas's declaration, Israeli stations claimed that Netanyahu and his War Ministers are meeting for urgent phone talks, implying continuous conversations amid mounting tensions.
