Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization in the US and the EU, has announced that it is discussing Israel’s new proposal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. The announcement comes as Egypt steps up efforts to end months of war and prevent a possible Israeli attack on the southern city of Rafah, AP reports.
A senior Hamas official, Khalil al-Haya, did not elaborate on the Israeli offer, but said it was in response to one they made two weeks ago. Earlier this month, talks between the Egyptian and Israeli sides centered on a six-week ceasefire and the release of 40 civilian and sick hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
In a separate statement, Hamas said that “the leaders of the three main militant groups operating in the Gaza Strip are discussing efforts to end the war.”
Israel, despite calls for restraint, including from its ally the United States, has insisted for months it is planning a ground attack on Rafah, on the border with Egypt, where it says many Hamas militants remain.
Egypt has warned that the Rafah attack could have “catastrophic consequences” for the humanitarian situation in Gaza.