(VOVWORLD) -The Israeli army began attacks in Rafah city, Gaza, on Monday, shortly after Hamas announced its acceptance of a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar.
 An Israeli war cabinet meeting. (Photo: AFP) |
A statement from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office said the Israeli War Cabinet decided to continue military operations in Rafah to exert pressure on Hamas, secure the release of hostages, and achieve other objectives.
The statement also said that Israel intends to send a delegation to participate in negotiations for a ceasefire agreement facilitated by Egypt and Qatar.
On Monday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh informed Egyptian and Qatari mediators that Hamas would accept a ceasefire in Gaza. Haniyeh's statement followed an Israeli order to evacuate Palestinians from eastern Rafah on Monday and Israeli airstrikes on 50 targets in that area to prepare for a large-scale ground attack.
Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit urged the UN Security Council, the US, and Israel's Western allies to prevent any further air strikes or violence.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the Foreign Ministries of Germany and France all condemned Israel's evacuation order and urged Israel to refrain from launching a ground attack on Rafah.