US puts pressure on Israel to accept ceasefire agreement

Israeli tanks are stationed near the border with the Gaza Strip Photo: Amir Cohen

The United States pressured Benjamin Netanyahu into an agreement to end fire with Hamas says both sides should be able to «close the remaining gaps» in the negotiations «very soon.»

John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, on Tuesday called on negotiators to reach an agreement after Israel launched a «limited» attack on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Israel rejected a deal offered by Hamas on Monday, dashing Palestinian hopes for a ceasefire in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages seized in October. 7.

John Kirby expressed hope that a ceasefire agreement would be concluded “very soon.” Photo: ANDREW HARNIK/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA

It said the terms of the deal, which would see three hostages released every week while the ceasefire was in effect, were “unacceptable” and a “ploy” to make it appear that Israel did not want it. negotiate in good faith.

Despite the operation, Mr Kirby suggested a deal was still likely, telling reporters: “Our understanding of the text suggests that they will be able to address these gaps, and we are very hopeful that very soon.»

The Hamas leadership has indicated that a permanent end to the war is their own red line.

Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism from both foreign leaders , and from people in Israel regarding his plans to continue the attack on Rafah. Photo: AMIR COHEN-POOL/SHUTTERSTOCK

Netanyahu faced fresh criticism Tuesday for his Rafah offensive as aid groups and allies warned that humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza were under threat.

Israel's prime minister said the offensive was a «very important step.» to the destruction of Hamas's remaining military capabilities and the destruction of smuggling tunnels across the border with Egypt.

IDF vehicles were seen moving towards border with the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Photo: AMIR LEVI/GETTY IMAGES EUROPE

In a night operation, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tanks entered the Gaza Strip to seize the Rafah crossing, which was being used to deliver humanitarian aid.

In a video message, Netanyahu said Hamas was surprised by the ceasefire agreement on Monday, which he said was «very far from Israel's vital requirements» and aimed at «sabotaging» the Rafah operation.

He assured allies that the largely symbolic move was “limited” and did not mark the start of a long-promised full-scale ground invasion of Rafah, where more than 1.4 million civilians are sheltering from the war.

But the UN and other agencies aid officials said the IDF maneuvers had jeopardized aid supplies to the territory.

Jens Laerke, a spokesman for the U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA, said: “We currently do not have any physical presence in the territory.” The Rafah crossing as our access… was prohibited by Kogat.»

He said that all fuel entering Gaza passes through Rafah, and that the enclave only has enough fuel for one day.

WHO also confirmed that Israel does not allow the transport of patients through Rafah.

Another crossing point for supplies into the Gaza Strip has remained closed since Sunday, when a Hamas mortar attack targeted Israeli troops at a beachhead nearby, killing four people. of them.

Reports of another mortar attack at the Kerem Shalom checkpoint came in early Tuesday morning.

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, inspected the Israeli-held area of ​​eastern Rafah , promising to continue the planned invasion while leaving room for a deal.

“This operation will continue until we eliminate Hamas in the Rafah area and the entire Gaza Strip or until the first hostage returns,” he said.

“We are ready to make compromises to return hostages, but if this option is removed, we will continue and “deepen” the operation.»

Annalena Berbock, The foreign minister of Germany, an Israeli ally, warned Mr. Netanyahu against further action.

“I strongly caution against a major offensive on Rafah,” she told X, earlier on Twitter, adding that despite Israeli assurances of efforts to evacuate local residents, the more than a million people sheltering in Rafah “cannot disappear into The US, which opposes a “major” military operation in Rafah, said it had received assurances from Israel that the latest offensive was “limited” and “intended only to deny Hamas the ability to smuggle weapons.” and funds to Gaza.”

Joe Biden hinted at a rift between his administration and Mr. Netanyahu as talks brokered by William Burns, the CIA director, continued in Cairo.

“My commitment to the security of the Jewish people, the security of Israel and its right to exist as «An independent Jewish state is unshakable, even if we don't agree with it,» he said at a Holocaust memorial ceremony in Washington.

< p>«My administration is working around the clock to free the remaining hostages… we will not rest until We won’t bring them all home.”

The White House has reportedly detained a shipment of planes made by Boeing. precision bombs are being sent to Israel to «send a message» about Mr Netanyahu's strategy in the Gaza Strip, Politico reports.

However, Mr Netanyahu has been criticized at home and abroad for his decision to reject the proposal and for continuing the offensive on Rafah.

An opinion poll commissioned by Israel's Channel 13 showed on Tuesday that a majority of Israelis believe Mr Netanyahu cares more about «his own political survival» than the return of hostages.

On Tuesday, the Palestinian Authority called on the US to «intervene immediately» to prevent Israel from launching a full-scale ground invasion. Rafah

Inside the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Palestinians reacted with alarm to reports that Israeli tanks were operating along the border with Egypt.

Speaking to The Telegraph by phone from west of Rafah, student Mohammad Najjar said the Night had been «very difficult».

He said Rafah is no more than 15 kilometers (9 miles) wide, so The IDF is “very close” to his location.

“The moment we can hear the bombing,” he said after a night of artillery, drones and airstrikes.