Israel-Gaza war: Hamas studies truce proposal as Netanyahu sets date for Rafah operation
- Proposal would halt fighting for six weeks to facilitate hostage-for-prisoner exchange
- Israel’s Netanyahu said date was set for invasion of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip
Hamas said on Tuesday it was considering a new framework for a truce proposed during the latest round of negotiations in Cairo, as Palestinians returning to southern Gaza confronted the extent of destruction left after Israeli troops’ withdrawal.
Six months into the bloodiest Gaza war, Qatari, Egyptian and American mediators have proposed another temporary ceasefire, according to a Hamas source.
The three-part proposal would halt fighting for six weeks to facilitate an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Saying it “appreciates” the mediators’ efforts, Hamas on Tuesday accused Israel of not responding to any of its demands during the talks.
“Despite this, the movement’s leadership is studying the submitted proposal,” the militant group said in a statement.