Hamas weighs Israeli Gaza truce offer amid looming Rafah offensive

Hamas is reviewing an Israeli ceasefire proposal in light of a recent push by Egypt to mediate an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which includes averting a planned Israeli ground offensive into Rafah. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, did not provide details on Israel’s offer, which was a response to a proposal from Hamas that suggested a six-week ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.

An Egyptian official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that during a recent visit by an Egyptian delegation to Israel, a “new vision” for a prolonged ceasefire was discussed. This plan might include a limited exchange of hostages and prisoners and could allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza with minimal restrictions.

Efforts are underway to find a compromise to meet most demands from both sides, which could facilitate ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. Despite this, Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel plans to continue military operations until Hamas is defeated, maintaining a security presence in Gaza.

The international community, including the United States, has urged restraint to prevent further escalation in Rafah, where over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have sought refuge. The humanitarian situation is dire, and any offensive in Rafah could worsen it significantly.

In recent developments, Israeli airstrikes in Rafah killed several civilians, including a family in the Tel Sultan neighborhood. Elsewhere in Gaza, strikes have resulted in additional civilian casualties. In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian men who reportedly opened fire at a checkpoint.

Amidst these developments, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is scheduled to visit Israel soon, has postponed a decision on whether to block aid to an Israeli army unit accused of rights abuses, giving Israel more time to address the issue. Meanwhile, the U.S. is advancing efforts to aid Gaza through a new port, expected to be operational by early May, despite setbacks in other international aid initiatives.

As tensions continue, protests have erupted across U.S. college campuses and other countries, reflecting global concern over the war and its humanitarian impact.