In an interview with Channel 12 of Israeli television, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, emphasized the importance of releasing the hostages held by Hamas and indicated that plans for a massive attack on the Gazan city of Rafah would be put on hold if a ceasefire agreement is reached. Official Israeli sources confirmed that a new offer presented to Hamas is the final opportunity for the Palestinian organization to accept a ceasefire. Talks with Hamas, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, have been making progress but tensions remain high.
Israeli officials have warned of the seriousness of the situation as some members of the war cabinet support an offensive on Rafah while others oppose it. The threat of a major offensive looms over Rafah as ultra-right ministers threaten to resign if the operation is canceled, highlighting divisions within the Israeli government. Meanwhile, there are growing concerns about Yahya Sinwar, believed to be behind a recent massacre in Israel, hiding in Rafah.
Negotiations with Hamas continue as diplomatic efforts are ongoing in an attempt to reach a ceasefire agreement and avoid further violence in Gaza. The fate of Rafah and its hostages hangs in the balance as both sides navigate this delicate situation.