The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, informed negotiators from Egypt and Qatar on Monday that his terror organization will accept a ceasefire resolution with Israel.
The statement came hours after Jerusalem announced the evacuation of 100,000 Palestinians from the eastern sections of Rafah in preparation for airstrikes and a military incursion that followed.
Israeli officials rejected the overture from the terror group, with one senior official telling Ynet that “the Egyptians unilaterally stretched all the parameters so that Hamas would agree,” and another describing the action as “an exercise by Hamas meant to present Israel as the refuser.”
The plan would have reportedly been implemented in three six-week phases.
The first section of the agreement would have called for a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the discharge of imprisoned Hamas operatives in exchange for the release of 33 living hostages who would be female, over 50 years old, sick, or children.
After 42 days, Israel would be required to completely leave the coastal enclave and free additional militants to see the remaining detainees return to their families.
Lastly, the trading of the remains of any deceased individuals would take place, and Israel would be prohibited from engaging in any blockades of the area.
Despite the apparent refusal of the offer by Israel, IDF Spokesperson Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters in a press briefing that his country “considers every answer very seriously and will exhaust every possibility for negotiations and the return of the hostages to their homes as quickly as possible.”
The U.S. State Department confirmed on Monday that it had received a copy of the proposal.
Related Story: Netanyahu Vows to Launch Rafah Invasion ‘With or Without a Deal’ to Free Hostages
