Ynet, an Israeli media organization, reported on Tuesday that the Israeli military assessed that a decision on a hostage deal or to begin the Rafah operation will come in the next 48 to 72 hours. Officials from Hamas left Cairo after talks with Egyptian officials on a new cease-fire proposal in Gaza, Egypt’s state-owned Al-Qahera News satellite channel said on Tuesday. According to several Israeli media, an Israeli delegation awaits an answer from Hamas before leaving to Egypt to finalize the accord.
The long anticipated Rafah operation has been publicly opposed by Israel’s American and European allies. An operation in Rafah – which currently holds 60% of Gaza’s pre-war population, crammed against the border with Egypt – has raised the specter of further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Israel, under international and domestic pressure, has so far held off on the operation. However, it insists that Hamas’ last remaining battalion stationed in Rafah must be defeated.
As domestic dissent grows in the US, and pro-Palestinian protests spread to university campuses across the country, the US administration has sought to limit Israeli actions that may elicit further public backlash, and undermine Joe Biden’s November electoral prospects.
Israel is also facing pressure from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which it fears is planning to issue arrest warrants for top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant. Axios is reporting that the US Congress is already working on a bill to impose sanctions on ICC officials that move against Israel.
Negotiations continue in Cairo. Hamas is reportedly preparing its response to what Foreign Minister David Cameron called “a very generous offer,” which would see a 40 day ceasefire and the release of “potentially thousands” of Palestinian prisoners, in return for freeing Israeli hostages. The Israeli delegation decided to remain in Cairo to await Hamas’ response, which they reportedly expect on Wednesday.
According to Monday night call readouts, US President Joe Biden urged the Egyptian and Qatari leaders “to exert all efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas,” calling this “the only obstacle” to securing relief for civilians in the besieged strip.
The humanitarian situation remains difficult, with the UN citing “access constraints” that hinder the delivery of aid. Although on Sunday, the White House said that Israel was letting more aid trucks into Gaza in line with “commitments” Biden asked it to meet.
Meanwhile, the US military’s effort to build an offshore pier to deliver aid is well underway, reportedly costing $320 million.
