Hamas member: Israel’s invasion of Rafah hinders efforts for ceasefire agreement

CAIRO – 9 May 2024: Member of the political bureau of Hamas Ezzat Al-Rishq said that Israel's invasion of Rafah and occupation of the crossing aim to block efforts exerted by the mediators and escalate the aggression and its genocidal war.

He added that the movement affirmed commitment and adherence to its position by agreeing to the proposal presented by the mediators, noting that Hamas delegation left Cairo a short while ago, heading to Doha.

The Gaza ceasefire talks resumed in Cairo on Thursday with the participation of all parties.

Israeli forces launched on May 6 a limited ground operation in the Palestinian city of Rafah despite the international warnings, especially those by Egypt, Jordan and the United States of America. This operation resulted in closing the only operating border crossings of Rafah and Karam Abu Salem and, consequently, suspended the entry of humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinians.

On May 6, the Hamas movement informed the Egyptian and Qatari mediators of the movement’s approval of the Egyptian proposal on a ceasefire agreement in the besieged Gaza Strip.