The Israeli government refused to accept the ceasefire proposal put forward by Hamas, leading to ongoing fighting between the two sides. In response, Islamic Jihad’s military wing claimed responsibility for firing rockets from Gaza towards southern Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in the area. The Israeli Armed Forces confirmed that airstrikes had been carried out in communities near the Gaza Strip.
Despite reports from Qatari media, including al-Jazeera, indicating that Israel was not willing to accept the proposed ceasefire, Hamas had accepted it with the help of mediators. However, this did not stop Israel from continuing to conduct airstrikes in Rafah. Israel explained that these airstrikes were necessary as they were preparing for a ground operation.
