In Jerusalem, Hamas announced its acceptance of an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a cease-fire to pause the seven-month-long conflict with Israel in Gaza on Monday, May 6. This comes hours after Israel ordered roughly 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate from the eastern region of Rafah, a move signaling a possible ground invasion by Israel.
The potential for a ground invasion came after tensions worsened on Sunday. Hamas militants fired rockets at Israeli troops, killing four soldiers. The troops were reportedly positioned on the border with Gaza near a main crossing for delivering humanitarian aid.
Involved parties have not disclosed the details of the cease-fire proposal yet. Israel has not commented on the deal, as of the publishing of this report. However, recent discussions between Egyptian officials and Hamas suggested the agreement is a phased cease-fire involving the release of hostages by Hamas and Israeli troop pullbacks from Gaza.
Meanwhile, aid agencies and Israel’s closest allies, including the United States, raised concerns over the looming invasion of Rafah. The city’s population swelled to 1.4 million people as the war has progressed. Humanitarian organizations warned of worsening conditions and increased civilian casualties in an already devastated Gaza.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) refused to evacuate from Rafah so it can continue providing aid to those remaining in the area.
U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated concerns about an invasion of Rafah in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He emphasized that a cease-fire with Hamas is the best way to protect lives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Efforts to broker a cease-fire face challenge as Hamas insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal and an end to the conflict. Conversely, Israel vowed to continue its campaign until Hamas is dismantled.