JERUSALEM (AP) — An announcement by Hamas late Monday that it had accepted a cease-fire proposal sent people in the streets of Rafah into temporary jubilation, as Palestinian evacuees in the jam-packed town felt their first glimmer of hope the war could end.
For families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, the announcement raised the possibility that their long wait was coming to an end — that they might soon see their loved ones.
But the fervor was short-lived.
A few hours after Hamas’ announcement, Israel rejected the proposal — which was different from one the two sides had been discussing for days — and said it was sending a team of negotiators for a new round of talks.
By Tuesday morning, Israeli tanks had rolled into Rafah, cementing the dashed hopes among Israelis and Palestinians of any imminent cease-fire.
In Rafah, disillusioned Palestinians spent Tuesday packing up their belongings and preparing to evacuate.
Xi chairs symposium on boosting development of China's western region in new era
'143 people still missing' after Moscow attack
Xi holds talks with Indonesia's president
Trilateral talks to bolster ties
From flooding in Brazil and Houston to brutal heat in Asia, extreme weather seems nearly everywhere
China again lodges solemn representations to Philippines regarding Ren'ai Jiao
Calls for implementing Gaza resolution grow
Wang wraps up tour of New Zealand, Australia
Bellinger returns from broken ribs, giving Cubs' lineup a big boost
CPC leadership reviews disciplinary inspection report
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Why Modi and BJP face strong resistance in south India
Blinken claiming that China is spreading disinformation is in itself disinformation: Chinese FM