The Israeli War Cabinet decided to continue the operation in Rafah

The Israeli military cabinet made a unanimous decision to continue the operation in the city of Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, on the border with Egypt. The Israeli side stated that in this way it wants to put pressure on the Hamas group, recognized as terrorist in the United States and the European Union, in order to release the hostages.

The cabinet statement also said Hamas’ latest truce proposal fell far short of Israel’s core demands. However, the Israeli side will send its representatives to Cairo for negotiations with mediators to continue discussing an agreement acceptable to Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces said it was carrying out targeted strikes against jihadist targets in eastern Rafah. No other details are provided.

The media, citing sources, write that Israeli infantry has entered eastern Rafah. There is no independent confirmation of these data. The Israeli army did not comment on these reports.

Israel believes that Rafah is the last stronghold of the Hamas group.

On the morning of Monday, May 6, the Israeli military scattered leaflets in Rafah calling on local residents to evacuate. That evening, the Hamas leadership announced its agreement to a ceasefire.

According to Reuters sources, the group agreed to proposals for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, an end to the blockade of the region and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said the Israeli side was considering Hamas’s response. Media sources note that the agreement approved by the Palestinians does not suit Israel.