The latest round of Gaza talks has ended in a stalemate once again, with Hamas announcing on Thursday (May 9) that the delegation attending the ceasefire negotiations has left Cairo. Israeli officials also confirmed that the latest round of indirect talks has concluded, and Israel will proceed with planned operations in Rafah.
In Cairo, delegations from Hamas, Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been holding talks since Tuesday. According to two Egyptian security officials, although some progress was made during the discussions, no agreements were reached.
President Biden had previously warned that if Israel were to enter Rafah, the US would halt the supply of offensive weapons. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in a video message, “If necessary, we could fight with fingernails. But we have far more than just fingernails.”
In Gaza, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad organization stated that their fighters had launched anti-tank rockets and mortar shells at Israeli tanks gathered in the eastern outskirts of Rafah.
Rafah is the largest city in Gaza that has not been occupied by Israel. Residents and medical personnel there reported that Israel launched attacks near a mosque, resulting in at least three deaths and multiple injuries.
Israeli airstrikes targeted two houses in the Sabra neighborhood of Rafah, resulting in at least 12 fatalities. Medical personnel and relatives stated that the casualties included a senior commander of the Al-Mujahedeen Brigades and his family, as well as the family of another organizational leader.
Israel has stated that Hamas is hiding in Rafah, and Israel has “no choice” but to destroy the remaining Hamas forces in Rafah. However, tens of thousands of Gaza civilians have sought refuge here to escape the bombings.
The White House reiterated its hope that Israel would not launch a full-scale operation in Rafah, believing that this would not achieve the goal of defeating Hamas.
White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby stated, “President Biden believes that a severe attack on Rafah will not advance this goal.”
Kirby added that Hamas is under significant pressure from Israel to capture the remaining leadership of the organization, suggesting that actions with a high risk to civilians may not be the best choice.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed that the Israeli army has the necessary ammunition for operations in Rafah and elsewhere.
Hagari stated that Israeli forces have killed 50 Palestinian gunmen in the eastern part of Rafah and discovered several tunnels. Hamas has not immediately commented on this.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller mentioned that Washington will continue to engage with Israel in an attempt to modify ceasefire proposals. However, he noted that finalizing the agreement text is “extremely challenging.”
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated in a declaration that for Hamas and Israel to reach a temporary ceasefire and hostage release agreement, they must demonstrate more “flexibility.”
The Gaza Health Ministry under Hamas control reported on Thursday that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt has been closed, preventing the evacuation of the wounded and impeding the entry of medical supplies, food trucks, and fuel needed to operate hospitals. Due to shelling, the only dialysis center in Rafah has ceased operations.
(This article references relevant reports from Reuters)