ALBAWABA - Regarding the proposed agreement to halt hostilities and exchange prisoners, Hamas confirms that it has received Israel's formal answer. This announcement comes after Egypt and Qatar attempted to mediate on April 13.
In a news release, Hamas Political Bureau member Halil al-Hayye said that the group will thoroughly review the proposal before responding to the mediators. But particulars of Israel's position are still unknown.
Hayye's prior words on April 24, which emphasised Hamas's openness to talk in contrast to Israel's reluctance to halt hostilities in Gaza, are followed by this communication.
Today, an Egyptian delegation headed by Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel paid a visit to Israel to talk about the current discussions over Israel and Hamas's prisoner exchange.
Notably, Israel informed Egypt that it was willing to give Hamas one more chance at discussions. On the other hand, Israel plans to launch a ground invasion on Rafah if no progress is made.
Situated near Gaza's southern border with Egypt, Rafah has been transformed into a haven for Palestinians who have been displaced due to Israeli bombardment. Nonetheless, worries over Rafah's civilian safety continue due to the possibility of an Israeli ground attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has frequently stated that he approves of an attack on Rafah, defying international warnings, and Israeli state television has hinted at an impending ground offensive.
The region is still on edge as tensions rise and they wait to see what happens next in the current negotiations and what might happen if Israel decides to take military action.
