On May 6, 2024, smoke rose in the southern Gaza town of Rafah as Israeli strikes continued. The conflict between Israel and Hamas had been ongoing for seven months, causing devastation and loss of life. However, a cease-fire proposal has been accepted by Hamas, according to the militant group.
The proposal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, aims to put an end to the war between Israel and Hamas. Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ supreme leader, delivered the news in a phone call with Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence minister, who have been mediating talks between the two sides.
In response to Hamas’ announcement, Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate Rafah in preparation for a military operation. Rafah is considered Hamas’ last stronghold by Israel. The details of the cease-fire proposal have not been released publicly, but Egyptian and Hamas officials have indicated that it will involve a series of stages where hostages held by Hamas will be released in exchange for Israeli troop pullbacks from Gaza.
Despite the announcement of the cease-fire proposal, it is unclear whether it will meet Hamas’ key demand of bringing an end to the war and securing a complete Israeli withdrawal. The news of the proposal being accepted was met with celebrations in Rafah as people took to the streets cheering. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.