Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal Hours After Israeli Warning

Hamas announced on Monday that it has accepted a ceasefire proposal in the Gaza war. This proposal was given to Hamas by Egypt and Qatar. Hamas accepted the proposal just hours after Israel ordered about 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate parts of the city of Rafah in the south and move to a designated area. Israel warned the Palestinians that a long-promised ground invasion would soon take place. Israel stated that it is reviewing the ceasefire proposal, but warned that the framework is not what Jerusalem desires. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously stated that military operations in Rafah would occur 'with or without an agreement.' In recent days, Egyptian and Hamas officials have indicated that the ceasefire will occur in several phases, during which Hamas will release hostages it holds in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It is unclear whether this agreement will meet Hamas's main demand for an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of Israel from Gaza. Israel claims it must destroy Hamas as it does not want to witness another attack like the one on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 253 hostages taken. Hamas stated that Ismail Haniyeh announced the acceptance of the ceasefire proposal in a phone call to Qatar and Egypt. Following the announcement, Palestinians in camps around Rafah celebrated, hoping this agreement would prevent an Israeli attack. Earlier that day, reports emerged of Israeli airstrikes in areas of Rafah. The White House: Netanyahu agreed in talks with Biden to keep the 'Karem Shalom' crossing open for humanitarian aid. Israel began airstrikes just hours after ordering the evacuation of parts of Rafah.