Representation of Hamas will visit Cairo on Monday for talks aimed at securing a ceasefire, a Hamas official told Reuters today as mediators stepped up efforts to reach a deal in the face of an Israeli offensive on the town of Rafah.
The official, who asked not to be named, said the delegation would discuss a truce proposal handed over by Hamas to mediator countries Qatar and Egypt, as well as Israel’s response.
He did not disclose details of the latest proposals.
Yesterday, Mr Israeli Foreign Minister said the planned invasion of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians have taken refuge, could be suspended if a deal is reached to free the Israeli hostages.
Hard-line nationalist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich today appealed to Netanyahu not to delay the attack on Rafah, saying a deal with Egypt’s proposals would amount to a humiliating defeat.
Without the elimination of Hamas, Smotrich said in a video he gave to the press directed at Netanyahu, “A government with you at the head will have no right to exist.”
Asked if Smotrich, who is not a member of Netanyahu’s war council, had details of the Egyptian proposal, his spokesman did not immediately comment.
Western countries, including Israel’s closest ally – the US – have called on Israel not to attack Rafah because of possible civilian casualties.
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