Israel Says No Ceasefire Deal, Military Ops Will Continue

Tel Aviv has no intention of reaching a peace deal with Hamas and the onslaught in Gaza will continue in “full force” after the destruction of Rafah, according to a senior Israeli official involved in negotiations. The comments come after President Joe Biden unveiled a ceasefire proposal allegedly backed by Israel in late May.

Biden’s initial peace plan first called for a six-week pause to hostilities, during which a permanent truce would be negotiated and then implemented. Israeli officials thought the language was vague enough that the two sides could enter the first phase without Israel actually committing to a lasting ceasefire.

Hamas said it received the offer positively and offered modifications to the deal that ensured the release of Israeli hostages would lead to the end of Israeli military operations in Gaza. Additionally, the group sought assurances that Palestinians released under the agreement would not be rearrested by Israel.