Decisive day for Palestinians and Israelis, Hamas is to respond today to the proposal that includes the 40-day truce, the release of nearly 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for 20-33 Israeli hostages, the Jerusalem Post announces.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials to discuss the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Israel’s army has already prepared two divisions to enter Rafah, while UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths has warned that a military operation in southern Gaza is disastrous for the civilian population.
The Israel Defense Forces announced on Tuesday that the 98th Parachute Division “Ha-Esh” as well as the 162nd Armored Division “Ha-Plada” began preparations for the continuation of offensive operations in the Gaza Strip, including the eventual invasion of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Divisional commanders have finalized the approval of plans for the next mission in the Gaza Strip, with the forces now operating at a high level of readiness, the IDF said.
Also on Tuesday, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that the war will not end until all the objectives are achieved: the release of the hostages, the elimination of Hamas and Gaza will no longer be a danger to Israel. He also stated that the army will enter Rafah with or without a ceasefire agreement.
