Israel outlines four issues with ceasefire deal as IDF seizes Rafah crossing in Gaza

Israel has outlined four key issues with a ceasefire deal proposed by Qatar and Egypt, which Hamas has accepted, the Independent quoted an anonymous Israeli official as saying.

Israel takes issue with four aspects of the proposal, including a demand for a permanent ceasefire and a clause stipulating that bodies of Israeli hostages could be substituted for living hostages if they cannot be found, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have confirmed taking control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, which borders Egypt in southern Gaza. Tanks from the 401st Brigade were observed rolling into the region.

Israel rejected the agreement last night, deeming it “unacceptable” and claiming it represents a softened version of a previous deal outlined by mediators. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that a negotiating team has been dispatched to Cairo, Egypt, to assess the terms of the plan.

Israel regards Rafah as Hamas’ final stronghold, yet the United States opposes a full-scale invasion of the city unless Israel presents a “credible” plan for safeguarding civilians there. Intense Israeli airstrikes in the area forced a major hospital in Rafah to evacuate on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson from the Health Ministry.

The conflict in Gaza has displaced approximately 80% of the region’s population of 2.3 million and inflicted extensive damage on residences, medical facilities, mosques, and educational institutions in numerous cities. Local health authorities report that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 34,500 people.

The conflict erupted on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of roughly 1,200 individuals mostly civilians and the abduction of around 250 others. Israel asserts that militants continue to hold approximately 100 hostages and the remains of over 30 others.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the operation along the Gaza-Egypt border in eastern Rafah was not a full-on invasion of the city that President Joe Biden has repeatedly warned against on humanitarian grounds. He said Israel had described it as “an operation of limited scale and duration” aimed at cutting off Hamas arms smuggling.

Kirby also expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying Israel and Hamas “should be able to close the remaining gaps” to complete an agreement, without offering a timetable. He said CIA chief William Burns will attend further talks in Cairo with representatives from Israel, Egypt and Qatar. Hamas has also sent a delegation to Cairo, which will meet separately with the Arab mediators.

Biden warned Netanyahu again Monday against launching an invasion of the city after Israel ordered 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate from parts of Rafah. But Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners have threatened to bring down his government if he calls off the offensive or makes too many concessions in cease-fire talks.

With inputs from agencies.