Hamas Accepted Deal For A Ceasefire Deal In Gaza, But Israel Rejected It And Started Attacking Rafah
The ceasefire deal mediated by Egypt and Qatar would have lead to the release of all hostages and Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas officials said on Monday, May 6, that they had agreed to a ceasefire deal mediated by Egypt and Qatar that would lead to the release of all hostages and Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza.
The three-stage ceasefire agreement put forward by Egypt and Qatar included a structured approach to de-escalating the war, with key provisions aimed at halting hostilities and initiating steps toward a lasting peace.
The agreement outlined a three-phase plan that included:
1. First Phase: A 45-day pause in fighting, during which Israel would withdraw its forces from populated areas of Gaza. This phase also involves Israel releasing Palestinian women, children, the elderly, and sick prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages in similar categories.
2. Second Phase: Following the initial pause, Hamas would release the remaining male Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel would then commit to completely withdraw its military from Gaza, marking a significant step towards peace.
3. Final Phase: Both sides would release the remains and bodies of captives and prisoners. It would also include a three to five year reconstruction plan for Gaza, as well as an end to Israel’s blockade of the strip.
Social media videos showed the news being met with celebrations in Gaza as Palestinians hoped for a moment that a ceasefire could be possible.
But hours later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government rejected the ceasefire proposal, saying it failed to meet its demands.
Instead, it continued with its invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, saying “there is no other solution but a complete and final victory”.
The Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah in al-Mawasi refugee camp, west of Khan Younis, and took over the eastern part of Rafah city under intense bombing, fire and artillery shelling, killing at least 20 Palestinians including women and children.
It also took over the Rafah crossing on the Gaza side, saying it was being used for “terrorist purposes, blocking the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and making it completely cut off from the world.
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Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
