Israel Denies 'Temporary Ceasefire'

Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement denying reports that Israel agreed to a 'temporary ceasefire' to reopen the 'Rafah' crossing for humanitarian aid. The Times of Israel reported that in a brief statement from Netanyahu's office, it was stated: 'There is currently no ceasefire for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip or for the exit of foreign nationals.' In this context, several ministers from Netanyahu's Likud party also strongly opposed a 'temporary ceasefire' mediated by the United States. The Israeli Energy Minister stated that he strongly opposes the lifting of the blockade and the entry of goods into Gaza for humanitarian reasons. He said: 'Our commitment is to the families of the deceased and the kidnapped hostages, not to the murderers of Hamas and those who aided them.' The Israeli Culture Minister also protested this 'decision,' stating that 'those who massacre children, rape women, and kidnap infants deserve no mercy.' Hours earlier, Reuters reported that Israel had agreed to a 'temporary ceasefire' in coordination with Egypt and the U.S. The news agency cited two Egyptian security sources reporting that the agreement between Egypt, Israel, and the U.S. regarding the 'temporary ceasefire' in southern Gaza would take effect at 9 AM local time today. The duration for which this crossing would remain open was not specified, but Reuters quoted informed sources stating that it would likely remain open until 2 PM local time. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported, citing Gaza's state media, that the Palestinian side in Gaza had not yet received confirmation from Egyptian officials regarding the reopening of the Rafah crossing. Earlier, media reported on the possibility of reopening the Rafah crossing for specific purposes, including the exit of foreign nationals from Gaza. NBC News quoted Kamal Khatib, a representative of the Palestinian embassy, stating that the reopening of the Rafah border crossing would allow foreign nationals to exit Gaza while also permitting the entry of humanitarian goods. The U.S. embassy in Israel also issued a security message announcing the opening of the Rafah crossing in the coming hours, stating that they expect the situation at the Rafah crossing to be unpredictable and advised American nationals to exercise caution in using this crossing. Shortly before, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote on 'X' that the United States is 'actively' working to ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Blinken stated in a brief message on 'X': 'We stand with Israel defending itself. The United States is also actively working to ensure that the people of Gaza can escape danger and that the aid they need - food, water, medicine - can enter Gaza. Hamas does not care if Palestinians are harmed.' The Gaza Strip is facing a 'humanitarian crisis' in recent days due to a complete blockade imposed by Israel, leading to shortages of water, electricity, food, fuel, and medicine. The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the only remaining crossing for supplies, has been closed for the past week. Vital humanitarian supplies for the people of Gaza have been piled up on the Egyptian side of this border crossing.