Reports say on Monday, the Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal brought forward by Egypt and Qatar.
Uncertain if the deal will be sealed as Israel’s response indicated that its core demands were not met, a ceasefire implies that the seven-month war in Gaza might come to an end.
Israel’s military however, said it was launching “targeted strikes against Hamas” in the southern Gaza city of Rafah after the country’s War Cabinet approved a military operation there. Israel declared that it would continue negotiations.
The conflict has seen over a million people crowded in tents and congested apartments in Rafah after fleeing from Israel’s offensive in parts of the Gaza Strip.
Although the international community has criticised the invasion of Rafah, Israel claims it is Hamas’ last stronghold.
Israel’s offensive has driven about 2.3 million ( about 80%) of Gaza’s population from their homes, destroyed hospitals and institutions of learning.
According to the United Nations (UN), The destruction of Gaza is a scenario that hasn’t been seen since World War II.
Local health officials report that the death toll of Palestinians now stands at 34,000 people.