WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden again urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching an offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah as Israel on Monday appeared to be moving closer to a major military operation to root out Hamas militants.
But soon after Israel announced that it was ordering about 100,000 Palestinians to begin evacuating from Rafah, Hamas said in a statement it has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a cease-fire to halt the seven-month-long war with Israel in Gaza.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel will continue its operations in Gaza as officials deliberate the cease-fire proposal approved by Hamas. And the Israeli War Cabinet voted unanimously to approve a Rafah military operation but will continue cease-fire efforts.
The Israeli military also said it was conducting “targeted strikes” against Hamas in eastern Rafah. The nature of the strikes was not immediately known, but the move appeared aimed at keeping the pressure on as talks continue.
Maternal deaths have fallen to pre
Remember history, safeguard peace
New debt deal reveals US addiction to war
Commentary: A summit for democracy or dominance?
Overseas businessmen show confidence in Hong Kong's business environment
Xi'an summit to open new chapter of China
Commentary: Honduras made the right decision on ties with Beijing
Farewell to China's homecoming motorbike fleets
Double European weightlifting champion Pielieshenko killed in Ukraine war
Understanding what an open China means to the world through "thinner" suitcases
Milwaukee election leader ousted 6 months before election in presidential swing state
Mom of gay Jewish teen, 19, murdered by 'closeted' Neo