Israel stated that Hamas had accepted a ceasefire proposal on Monday, but Israel found the terms far from meeting its demands. It warned that its military operations in Rafah would continue despite sending negotiators to speak with mediators.
In a statement, Hamas said its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, informed the Qatari prime minister and Egyptian intelligence minister that the group had accepted proposals for a ceasefire and a hostage deal. Palestinians celebrated in Gaza, while in Tel Aviv, hostage families urged Israel's leaders to accept the deal.
However, Israel quickly responded that the terms Hamas had accepted did not meet its requirements. It reiterated its commitment to an offensive in Rafah, stating its war cabinet had unanimously decided to continue the operation to pressure Hamas. Israel did agree to send a delegation for further talks.
Later that evening, the Israel Defense Forces reported conducting targeted strikes against Hamas targets in Rafah. CNN obtained video and images showing explosions in the area.
CNN's political and global affairs analyst Barak Ravid reported that Israeli forces were preparing to take over the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing. This came after Israel ordered Palestinians in Rafah to evacuate immediately, raising fears of an imminent assault on the city.
A source familiar with Israeli plans told CNN that a limited incursion into Rafah was intended to maintain pressure on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and hostage release.
US officials expressed concerns but stated they did not believe this signaled a major Israeli military operation into southern Gaza. The Biden administration remained opposed to such an operation, according to White House spokesman John Kirby.
Ceasefire talks were set to continue, with the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stating that the Qatari delegation would head to Cairo for further negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Hamas had responded positively to the latest proposal, according to the spokesperson.
The Qatari announcement came amid international calls for an agreement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to agree to a ceasefire after Hamas' announcement.
A senior Israeli and a senior US official said Hamas had agreed to a framework proposal that differed from the one Israel had helped craft with Egypt. The latest proposal called for an end to the war, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously rejected.
According to Hamas, the proposed agreement included the release of 33 Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners over 42 days, followed by the rebuilding of Gaza. The agreement was to be divided into three phases, each lasting 42 days, with an eventual full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in the second phase.
Israel's war cabinet member Benny Gantz stated there were significant gaps between Israel and Hamas but affirmed that efforts would continue, and a delegation would go to Cairo.
Netanyahu faced pressure from the more extreme wing of his coalition not to accept the ceasefire proposal and to focus on destroying Hamas in Rafah. However, large parts of the Israeli public demanded that Netanyahu accept a deal, with families and supporters of the hostages staging protests in Tel Aviv.
Benny Gantz, seen as a rival to Netanyahu, emphasized the urgency of returning the hostages over entering Rafah. The Hostages Families Forum urged all parties involved to turn the opportunity into a deal for the return of all hostages.