WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden again urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching an offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah as Israel on Monday appeared to be moving closer to a major military operation to root out Hamas militants. But soon after Israel announced that it was ordering about 100,000 Palestinians to begin evacuating from Rafah, Hamas said in a statement it has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a cease-fire to halt the seven-month-long war with Israel in Gaza. Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel will continue its operations in Gaza as officials deliberate the cease-fire proposal approved by Hamas. And the Israeli War Cabinet voted unanimously to approve a Rafah military operation but will continue cease-fire efforts. The Israeli military also said it was conducting “targeted strikes” against Hamas in eastern Rafah. The nature of the strikes was not immediately known, but the move appeared aimed at keeping the pressure on as talks continue. |
Overseas businessmen show confidence in Hong Kong's business environmentPutin is starting his 5th term as president, more in control of Russia than everChina's software industry logs steady growth in Q1Rotting bodies and fake ashes spur Colorado lawmakers to pass funeral home regulationsThe number of fish on US overfishing list reaches an allGuardians place ALBank Holiday washout! Met Office issues nineHarper homers, Wheeler strikes out 11 as Phillies complete 4John Swinney is crowned as SNP leaderFormer Alabama star player, athletic director Hootie Ingram dies at age 90