Hamas announced its acceptance of an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza on Monday, following Israel’s order for the evacuation of 100,000 Palestinians from the southern city of Rafah. The move raised concerns about a potential ground invasion by Israeli forces.
Details of the proposed ceasefire have not yet been released, and there has been no immediate comment from Israel. Hamas officials have suggested the agreement involves a series of stages, including the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
However, it remains unclear whether the deal addresses Hamas’ key demands for an end to the war and complete Israeli withdrawal. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh conveyed the acceptance of the proposal in a phone call with the Prime Minister of Qatar and the Intelligence Minister of Egypt.
Palestinians in Rafah expressed relief over the ceasefire news, as it offers the possibility of avoiding an Israeli attack. Israel’s allies, including the United States, have repeatedly urged Israel against an offensive in Rafah, which has raised global alarm over the fate of the 1.4 million Palestinians residing there.
Aid agencies have warned that an offensive in the densely populated city could result in a significant loss of civilian lives and further deteriorate the humanitarian situation in Gaza. US President Joe Biden reiterated concerns about an invasion during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
The looming operation has sparked international condemnation, with calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been involved in mediation attempts, and US officials have emphasized the importance of securing the release of Israeli hostages.
Meanwhile, Israel has maintained its position that it will continue operations until Hamas’ military capabilities are eliminated. Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of capturing Rafah, which Israel considers a Hamas stronghold, to prevent future attacks.
About 100,000 Palestinians have been ordered to evacuate from parts of Rafah and relocate to designated humanitarian zones established by Israel. However, there are concerns about the adequacy of facilities and resources in these zones to accommodate the influx of evacuees.
Around 450,000 displaced Palestinians are already seeking shelter in one such zone, Muwasi, which faces challenges with sanitation and basic amenities. Evacuated families face the difficult task of relocating once again, having endured months of displacement and hardship.
UN agencies such as UNRWA are committed to providing assistance to those who remain in Rafah. However, the evacuation order and the potential for an Israeli offensive have raised concerns about the disruption of aid distribution and the safety of civilians.
Israel’s decision to order the evacuation and its rejection of a previous US-backed ceasefire proposal have drawn criticism from international organizations. The Norwegian Refugee Council has condemned the move as an unlawful forced evacuation.
Tensions escalated on Sunday when Hamas fired rockets at Israeli soldiers near the border, resulting in the death of four soldiers. Israel closed the main crossing point for humanitarian aid, but maintains that alternative routes remain open.
The conflict, which began with a raid by Hamas militants in October 2024, has claimed the lives of over 34,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and displaced over 80% of Gaza’s population. Hamas is believed to be holding around 100 Israeli hostages.
