Hamas agreed to a ceasefire proposal put forward by mediators, indicating a willingness to halt hostilities. However, Israel rejected the terms of the proposal, citing unmet demands.
Despite the ceasefire discussions, Israeli forces continued their strikes in Rafah, Gaza’s southern region, and planned to persist with negotiations for a comprehensive deal. Hamas, through its leader Ismail Haniyeh, communicated acceptance of the proposal to Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal but agreed to send a delegation for further negotiations.
The United States expressed optimism about achieving a ceasefire, signaling potential international support for peace efforts. However, the conflict’s toll remains grim, with more than 34,600 Palestinians reported dead, and the United Nations warning of an imminent famine in Gaza.
