On May 6, 2024, smoke rose in Rafah as Israeli forces carried out strikes against Hamas targets. The conflict between Israel and Hamas had been ongoing for seven months, and it seemed that a resolution was no longer in sight. However, on the same day, news broke that Hamas had accepted a cease-fire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar.
Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate the southern Gaza town of Rafah in preparation for a military operation. Rafah is considered Hamas’ last stronghold by Israel. The details of the cease-fire proposal have not been released, but Egyptian and Hamas officials have indicated that it will involve a series of stages where hostages held by Hamas will be released in exchange for Israeli troop pullbacks from Gaza.
Despite the announcement of the cease-fire proposal, it is unclear whether it will meet Hamas’ key demand of bringing an end to the war and securing a complete Israeli withdrawal. The news of the proposal being accepted was met with celebrations in Rafah, as people took to the streets cheering. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.