Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered the military to prepare a plan for the evacuation of the population of the southern Gaza city of Rafah ahead of an expected ground invasion.

Israel pounds Gaza's Rafah city; IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

<p>After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ terms of a ceasefire in Gaza, five Israeli hostages, who were released in the month of November, launched an appeal seeking&nbsp;him to push for a deal.</p>

<p>During an emotional press conference in Tel Aviv, 72-year-old Adina Moshe pleaded with the Israeli prime minister saying "Everything is in your hands."</p>

<p>Tearful Moshe said that she feared the ones held captive by the Palestinian militant group would have to pay the price for Netanyahu's plan to attain “absolute victory” over Hamas.</p>

<p>She said, “I’m very afraid and very concerned that if you continue with this line of destroying Hamas, there won’t be any hostages left to release.”</p>

<p>The others present in the emotional presser were 34-year-old Sharon Aloni Cunio, 41-year-old Nili Margalit, 62-year-old Aviva Siegel and 16-year-old Sahar Calderon, who were kidnapped by Hamas on Oct 7 when the militant group launched unprecedented attacks against Israel. They were released&nbsp;as&nbsp;part of a temporary truce deal with Israel in November.</p>

<p>The freed hostages came together after Netanyahu rebuffed Hamas' terms for a ceasefire deal saying that the victory was "within reach".</p>

<p>“We are on the way to complete victory. The victory is within reach,” said Netanyahu, during a press conference, adding that the war will be won in a “matter of months” not years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We will continue until the end,” said the Israeli PM in his remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-mocks-tucker-carlson-for-being-rejected-by-cia-688728">Vladimir Putin mocks Tucker Carlson for being rejected by CIA</a></p>

<p>“There is no other solution besides absolute victory.” He also said surrendering to Hamas’ “delusional demands” would spell disaster and only “invite an additional slaughter”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas,” said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cunio who was abducted along with her daughters and her husband said that the fate of her family was in Netanyahu's hands.</p>

<p>“We’ve reached the awful moment when you must decide who lives and who dies … 136 hostages now wait in tunnels, without oxygen, without food, without water and without hope, waiting for you to save them. The price is heavy, unbearable, but the price of negligence will become a stain for generations,” she said.</p>

<p>Calderon who was released along with her brother in November, said that she was desperately waiting for the return of her father who was still in captivity.</p>

<p>“I am alive and breathing, but my soul has been murdered,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Cunio.</p>

<p>“I am grateful to the government for bringing me back, but what about my father who is abandoned anew every day, uncertain if he will live or die? I just want his warm embrace. Bring him back, do not make me lose faith in our country a second time,” she added.</p>

<p>Margalit, who was abducted from the Nir Oz kibbutz, said, “If the hostages do not return to their homes, every mother and father will know that they are next in line and that they live in a country that is not committed to their safety.”</p>

<p>While Keshet said, “This is a decisive moment. I want to stress the urgency of the situation. We urge the world’s leaders to help us make sure that the deal goes through. The price on our society is unbearable. The price of not getting them back while we still can is unbearable.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ terms of a ceasefire in Gaza, five Israeli hostages, who were released in the month of November, launched an appeal seeking him to push for a deal.

After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ terms of a ceasefire in Gaza, five Israeli hostages, who were released in the month of November, launched an appeal seeking him to push for a deal. During an emotional press conference in Tel Aviv, 72-year-old Adina Moshe pleaded with the Israeli prime minister saying "Everything is in your hands." Tearful Moshe said that she feared the ones held captive by the Palestinian militant group would have to pay the price for Netanyahu's plan to attain “absolute victory” over Hamas. She said, “I’m very afraid and very concerned that if you continue with this line of destroying Hamas, there won’t be any hostages left to release.” The others present in the emotional presser were 34-year-old Sharon Aloni Cunio, 41-year-old Nili Margalit, 62-year-old Aviva Siegel and 16-year-old Sahar Calderon, who were kidnapped by Hamas on Oct 7 when the militant group launched unprecedented attacks against Israel. They were released as part of a temporary truce deal with Israel in November. The freed hostages came together after Netanyahu rebuffed Hamas' terms for a ceasefire deal saying that the victory was "within reach". “We are on the way to complete victory. The victory is within reach,” said Netanyahu, during a press conference, adding that the war will be won in a “matter of months” not years. “We will continue until the end,” said the Israeli PM in his remarks. Also read: Vladimir Putin mocks Tucker Carlson for being rejected by CIA “There is no other solution besides absolute victory.” He also said surrendering to Hamas’ “delusional demands” would spell disaster and only “invite an additional slaughter”. “The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas,” said Netanyahu. Cunio who was abducted along with her daughters and her husband said that the fate of her family was in Netanyahu's hands. “We’ve reached the awful moment when you must decide who lives and who dies … 136 hostages now wait in tunnels, without oxygen, without food, without water and without hope, waiting for you to save them. The price is heavy, unbearable, but the price of negligence will become a stain for generations,” she said. Calderon who was released along with her brother in November, said that she was desperately waiting for the return of her father who was still in captivity. “I am alive and breathing, but my soul has been murdered,” said Cunio. “I am grateful to the government for bringing me back, but what about my father who is abandoned anew every day, uncertain if he will live or die? I just want his warm embrace. Bring him back, do not make me lose faith in our country a second time,” she added. Margalit, who was abducted from the Nir Oz kibbutz, said, “If the hostages do not return to their homes, every mother and father will know that they are next in line and that they live in a country that is not committed to their safety.” While Keshet said, “This is a decisive moment. I want to stress the urgency of the situation. We urge the world’s leaders to help us make sure that the deal goes through. The price on our society is unbearable. The price of not getting them back while we still can is unbearable.” (With inputs from agencies)

Released Israeli hostages plead with Netanyahu to push for ceasefire deal

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Hamas's proposals for a ceasefire. Netanyahu ordered troops to prepare for moving onto the city of Rafah in Gaza's far south where more than 1 million Palestinians have sought Refuge. However, the US Secretary of State Blinken says he still sees space for an agreement to be reached.

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An international low when anticipated Israeli operation in southern city of Rafah is growing every passing hour. Eight groups have warned that any Israeli military Advance into Southern Gaza's Rafah area could cause a bloodbath.

International alarm grows over Israel's anticipated Rafah operation

U.S. has confirmed that it has conducted additional strikes on Iran-linked Houthi rebels. This comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to West Asia again on his new crisis tour of the region. Blinken seeks to push forward a proposal to halt the devastating conflict in return for the release of hostages.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (February 7) rejected a proposal for a Gaza war truce by Hamas, saying victory was within reach and only total defeat of the movement that rules the blockaded strip would ensure Israel's security.

Blinken sees scope for progress even after Netanyahu rejects Hamas ceasefire proposal

The IDF uncovers a significant Hamas tunnel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, that was once utilized by senior terrorists before being transformed into a facility for harboring hostages. The IDF claims that the "strategic" underground network was around a kilometer long. Troops from the 98th Division's elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, along with other special forces, raided it.

Israel-hamas war: IDF reveals tunnel in Khan Younis used by top Hamas brass

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected Hamas' latest offer for a ceasefire and return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, but U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there was still room for negotiation toward an agreement.

Israel-hamas war: Netanyahu calls Hamas ceasefire proposal 'delusional'

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects Hamas' offer of ceasefire

Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Hamas's proposals for a ceasefire. Netanyahu ordered troops to prepare for moving onto the city of Rafah in Gaza's far south where more than 1 million Palestinians have sought Refuge. However, the US Secretary of State Blinken says he still sees space for an agreement to be reached.

Israel-Hamas war | Israel PM Netanyahu dismisses Hamas' ceasefire demand

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid24ARPEQZxbB7" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Feb 7) ordered troops to prepare to enter the Gaza Strip's Rafah after rejecting Hamas' response to a ceasefire proposal in the besieged Palestinian territory. In televised remarks, Prime Minister Netanyahu said he ordered troops to prepare to operate in Rafah and that total victory over Hamas was just months away.</p>

<p>Reacting to the ceasefire proposal, Netanyahu said, "Giving in to the bizarre demands of Hamas that we have just heard will... only invite another massacre."</p>

<p>US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who is on his fifth tour to the Middle East, met the Israeli PM and said that Hamas' counter-proposal (of a ceasefire) at least offered an opportunity to pursue negotiations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-gets-ridiculed-as-he-struggles-to-recall-hamas-name-during-speech-688065">Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech</a></strong></p>

<p>"While there are some clear non-starters in Hamas's response, we do think it creates space for agreement to be reached, and we will work at that relentlessly until we get there," Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv. He stopped short of calling on Israel not to move into Rafah, but expressed concerns at Netanyahu's announcement by saying that any "military operation that Israel undertakes needs to put civilians first and foremost."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mounting concerns in Rafah over military push</strong></h2>

<p>A report by the news agency AFP on Thursday said that concerns were mounting in Rafah over the upcoming military push in the city by Israel. Hundreds of Palestinians have sought refuge in the city since the conflict began on Oct 7 last year. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, warned that a military push into the city "would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare."</p>

<p>Concerns were also mounting for displaced Palestinian civilians thronging Rafah. Till now, more than half of Gaza's 2.4 million population has sought safety in the city.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Antony Blinken discusses Hamas' truce deal with Israeli PM Netanyahu</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said, "Their living conditions are abysmal -- they lack the basic necessities to survive, stalked by hunger, disease and death."</p>

<p>"As the war encroaches further into Rafah, I am extremely concerned about the safety and well-being of families which have endured the unthinkable in search of safety," Griffiths added.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in Gaza over 27,700</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza said that the death toll has climbed to 27,708 since the conflict began. The latest toll includes 123 deaths over the past 24 hours, the ministry said, adding, a total of 67,147 people have been wounded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Feb 7) ordered troops to prepare to enter the Gaza Strip's Rafah after rejecting Hamas' response to a ceasefire proposal in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Feb 7) ordered troops to prepare to enter the Gaza Strip's Rafah after rejecting Hamas' response to a ceasefire proposal in the besieged Palestinian territory. In televised remarks, Prime Minister Netanyahu said he ordered troops to prepare to operate in Rafah and that total victory over Hamas was just months away. Reacting to the ceasefire proposal, Netanyahu said, "Giving in to the bizarre demands of Hamas that we have just heard will... only invite another massacre." US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who is on his fifth tour to the Middle East, met the Israeli PM and said that Hamas' counter-proposal (of a ceasefire) at least offered an opportunity to pursue negotiations. Also read | Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech "While there are some clear non-starters in Hamas's response, we do think it creates space for agreement to be reached, and we will work at that relentlessly until we get there," Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv. He stopped short of calling on Israel not to move into Rafah, but expressed concerns at Netanyahu's announcement by saying that any "military operation that Israel undertakes needs to put civilians first and foremost." Mounting concerns in Rafah over military push A report by the news agency AFP on Thursday said that concerns were mounting in Rafah over the upcoming military push in the city by Israel. Hundreds of Palestinians have sought refuge in the city since the conflict began on Oct 7 last year. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, warned that a military push into the city "would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare." Concerns were also mounting for displaced Palestinian civilians thronging Rafah. Till now, more than half of Gaza's 2.4 million population has sought safety in the city. Also watch | Antony Blinken discusses Hamas' truce deal with Israeli PM Netanyahu × In a statement, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said, "Their living conditions are abysmal -- they lack the basic necessities to survive, stalked by hunger, disease and death." "As the war encroaches further into Rafah, I am extremely concerned about the safety and well-being of families which have endured the unthinkable in search of safety," Griffiths added. Death toll in Gaza over 27,700 Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza said that the death toll has climbed to 27,708 since the conflict began. The latest toll includes 123 deaths over the past 24 hours, the ministry said, adding, a total of 67,147 people have been wounded. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu orders troops to prepare to enter Rafah

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (Feb 7) said that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach and rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire to ensure the return of hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave. Meanwhile,&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Israel amid his 5th visit to the Middle East since the beginning of the war, called on Israel&nbsp;to prioritise civilians in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Victory is within reach’</strong></h2>

<p>“We are on the way to complete victory. The victory is within reach,” said Netanyahu, during a press conference, adding that the war will be won in a “matter of months” not years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We will continue until the end,” said the Israeli PM in his remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Will Netanyahu agree to Hamas' proposal?</strong></p>

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<p>“There is no other solution besides absolute victory.” He also said surrendering to Hamas’ “delusional demands” would spell disaster and only “invite an additional slaughter”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas,” said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas called for a ceasefire, the end of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners, on Tuesday (Feb 6) in response to a recent United States-backed proposal to free hostages in return for pausing the Gaza war with Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a draft document of Hamas’ counter proposal seen by Reuters, the Palestinian militant group envisions three phases of ceasefire lasting 45 days each for four-and-a-half months, which would allow them to exchange remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the operation</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about Israel’s ongoing ground operation in Gaza, Netanyahu said, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are working systematically and will achieve all the objectives of the war and will act “wherever and at any time that is necessary” in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-no-ties-with-israel-until-palestinian-state-is-recognised-687938">Saudi Arabia says no ties with Israel until Palestinian state is 'recognised'</a></strong></p>

<p>The Israeli PM also touted the military’s accomplishments and called it “unprecedented”. Israel claims to have killed or injured 20,000 Hamas fighters and said that the IDF is working to systematically destroy the underground network of tunnels where Hamas is hiding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli troops in Gaza have been ordered to “prepare to operate” in the city of Rafah, said Netanyahu, where more than one million Palestinians have sought refuge.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas responds</strong></h2>

<p>Senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri called the Israeli PM’s statement “political bravado” which showed the Israeli leader’s intention to continue the conflict in the region, as per Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan said a delegation of the militant group led by senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya would travel to Cairo on Thursday (Feb 8) to pursue ceasefire talks with mediators Egypt and Qatar.</p>

<p>Hamdan, a senior Lebanon-based official of Hamas&nbsp;told a news conference in Beirut,&nbsp;said that&nbsp;Netanyahu's&nbsp;"insistence on continuing the aggression totally confirms that the goal of the aggression on Gaza is genocide against the Palestinian people"</p>

<h2><strong>Blinken’s another failed trip to Middle East?</strong></h2>

<p>Washington’s top diplomat is in the midst of his 5th trip to the region amid the ongoing war and met with leaders of Qatar and Egypt before talking to the Israeli PM.</p>

<p>During his meeting, Netanyahu said that he told Blinken that after Hamas is destroyed, Israel will “ensure that Gaza is demilitarized forever.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Washington's top diplomat said during his visit to Israel, he&nbsp;warned the Israeli PM&nbsp;and his government against actions and talk that raise tensions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In my discussion today with the prime minister and senior officials, I also raised our profound concerns about actions and rhetoric, including from government officials, that inflame tensions that undercut international support and place greater restraints on Israel's security," Blinken said during a press conference held after Netanyahu's.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He&nbsp;called on Israel to prioritise civilians in Gaza's Rafah but stopped short of urging against military operations in the packed Palestinian city.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-pm-receives-positive-response-from-hamas-on-hostage-deal-blinken-to-discuss-agreement-with-israel-687622">Qatar receives ‘positive’ response from Hamas on hostage deal; militant group calls for ‘permanent ceasefire’</a></strong></p>

<p>Blinken also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Every visit from Blinken, instead of calming things down, it just makes things worse, we get more strikes, we get more bombing,” a mourner Mohammad Abundi told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (Feb 7) said that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach and rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire to ensure the return of hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (Feb 7) said that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach and rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire to ensure the return of hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Israel amid his 5th visit to the Middle East since the beginning of the war, called on Israel to prioritise civilians in Gaza. ‘Victory is within reach’ “We are on the way to complete victory. The victory is within reach,” said Netanyahu, during a press conference, adding that the war will be won in a “matter of months” not years. “We will continue until the end,” said the Israeli PM in his remarks. WATCH | Gravitas | Will Netanyahu agree to Hamas' proposal? “There is no other solution besides absolute victory.” He also said surrendering to Hamas’ “delusional demands” would spell disaster and only “invite an additional slaughter”. “The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas,” said Netanyahu. Hamas called for a ceasefire, the end of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners, on Tuesday (Feb 6) in response to a recent United States-backed proposal to free hostages in return for pausing the Gaza war with Israel. According to a draft document of Hamas’ counter proposal seen by Reuters, the Palestinian militant group envisions three phases of ceasefire lasting 45 days each for four-and-a-half months, which would allow them to exchange remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. About the operation Speaking about Israel’s ongoing ground operation in Gaza, Netanyahu said, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are working systematically and will achieve all the objectives of the war and will act “wherever and at any time that is necessary” in the Palestinian enclave. ALSO READ | Saudi Arabia says no ties with Israel until Palestinian state is 'recognised' The Israeli PM also touted the military’s accomplishments and called it “unprecedented”. Israel claims to have killed or injured 20,000 Hamas fighters and said that the IDF is working to systematically destroy the underground network of tunnels where Hamas is hiding. The Israeli troops in Gaza have been ordered to “prepare to operate” in the city of Rafah, said Netanyahu, where more than one million Palestinians have sought refuge. Hamas responds Senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri called the Israeli PM’s statement “political bravado” which showed the Israeli leader’s intention to continue the conflict in the region, as per Reuters. Meanwhile, another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan said a delegation of the militant group led by senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya would travel to Cairo on Thursday (Feb 8) to pursue ceasefire talks with mediators Egypt and Qatar. Hamdan, a senior Lebanon-based official of Hamas told a news conference in Beirut, said that Netanyahu's "insistence on continuing the aggression totally confirms that the goal of the aggression on Gaza is genocide against the Palestinian people" Blinken’s another failed trip to Middle East? Washington’s top diplomat is in the midst of his 5th trip to the region amid the ongoing war and met with leaders of Qatar and Egypt before talking to the Israeli PM. During his meeting, Netanyahu said that he told Blinken that after Hamas is destroyed, Israel will “ensure that Gaza is demilitarized forever.” Meanwhile, Washington's top diplomat said during his visit to Israel, he warned the Israeli PM and his government against actions and talk that raise tensions. "In my discussion today with the prime minister and senior officials, I also raised our profound concerns about actions and rhetoric, including from government officials, that inflame tensions that undercut international support and place greater restraints on Israel's security," Blinken said during a press conference held after Netanyahu's. He called on Israel to prioritise civilians in Gaza's Rafah but stopped short of urging against military operations in the packed Palestinian city. ALSO READ | Qatar receives ‘positive’ response from Hamas on hostage deal; militant group calls for ‘permanent ceasefire’ Blinken also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah. “Every visit from Blinken, instead of calming things down, it just makes things worse, we get more strikes, we get more bombing,” a mourner Mohammad Abundi told Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ ceasefire deal, vows to fight until ‘total victory’

Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Shtayyeh has called on rival group Hamas to join the PLO's political program. The PLO was forced out of Gaza by Hamas in 2007 and has since been restricted to ruling the West Bank while Hamas has ruled Gaza.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Palestinian authority PM Shtayyeh invites Hamas to join PLO

The Israel Defense Forces revealed on Wednesday a barred cell area in a major Hamas tunnel in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis that it said was used by the terror group to hold hostages.

IDF reveals a major Hamas tunnel in Southern Gaza

<p>US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Feb 6) said that Hamas' response to a proposal truce deal in Gaza was 'a little over the top'.&nbsp;He said that while "there is some movement [on the hostage deal negotiations]," Hamas' response "seems to be a little over the top." "We are not sure where it is going and we continue to negotiate," he added.</p>

<p>Earlier, Hamas said it responded to a framework proposal for a new ceasefire deal on Tuesday (Feb 6), which the US and Israel are believed to be reviewing. The provisions of the deal have been hammered out by Israel, the US, Qatar and Egypt,&nbsp;however, the details have not been released yet.</p>

<p>Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is playing a key role in mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, said he was "optimistic" and noted that the militant group's response to the blueprint was "in general positive".</p>

<h2><b>Blinken's statement</b></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was reviewing the response and would discuss it with Israeli officials on Wednesday (Feb 7). "There's still a lot of work to do be done, but we continue to believe that an agreement is possible," he said in Doha.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UNRWA Crisis: Israel demands UNRWA be stripped of authority in Gaza</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Details of the deal</strong></h2>

<p>As per sources quoted by international media, the deal includes provisions regarding rebuilding Gaza, the return of its residents to their homes and the provisions for those who had been displaced. It also seeks a change relating to the treatment of those injured, including the transfer of some&nbsp;abroad.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0SOiShNfxuOuNqKAn_VHmo" data-ved="2ahUKEwi3873WnpiEAxXRnFYBHapcCGUQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-half-of-adults-in-us-say-israels-campaign-in-gaza-has-gone-too-far-poll-shows-686888" jsname="YKoRaf">Israel-Hamas war: Half of adults in US say Israel’s campaign in Gaza has gone ‘too far’</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the Times of India, the deal will see at least 40 days of truce once approved, along with the release of civilian hostages held by Hamas.</p>

<p>The only truce between the two warring sides was agreed in November for just four days and extended to last a week. At the time, Hamas released 110 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Feb 6) said that Hamas' response to a proposal truce deal in Gaza was 'a little over the top'. He said that while "there is some movement [on the hostage deal negotiations]," Hamas' response "seems to be a little over the top.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Feb 6) said that Hamas' response to a proposal truce deal in Gaza was 'a little over the top'. He said that while "there is some movement [on the hostage deal negotiations]," Hamas' response "seems to be a little over the top." "We are not sure where it is going and we continue to negotiate," he added. Earlier, Hamas said it responded to a framework proposal for a new ceasefire deal on Tuesday (Feb 6), which the US and Israel are believed to be reviewing. The provisions of the deal have been hammered out by Israel, the US, Qatar and Egypt, however, the details have not been released yet. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is playing a key role in mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, said he was "optimistic" and noted that the militant group's response to the blueprint was "in general positive". Blinken's statement Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was reviewing the response and would discuss it with Israeli officials on Wednesday (Feb 7). "There's still a lot of work to do be done, but we continue to believe that an agreement is possible," he said in Doha. Watch: UNRWA Crisis: Israel demands UNRWA be stripped of authority in Gaza × Details of the deal As per sources quoted by international media, the deal includes provisions regarding rebuilding Gaza, the return of its residents to their homes and the provisions for those who had been displaced. It also seeks a change relating to the treatment of those injured, including the transfer of some abroad. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Half of adults in US say Israel’s campaign in Gaza has gone ‘too far’ According to the Times of India, the deal will see at least 40 days of truce once approved, along with the release of civilian hostages held by Hamas. The only truce between the two warring sides was agreed in November for just four days and extended to last a week. At the time, Hamas released 110 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Gaza war: Biden terms Hamas' response to proposed truce deal ‘a little over the top’

Antony Blinken is on the verge of winding up his 5 day West Asia visit since the October 7th attacks. Hamas has replied to the ceasefire proposal formulated by the US Egypt and Qatar without disclosing the details of the response. Hamas said it responded in a positive spirit.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas responds to ceasefire proposal, Blinken to discuss response with Israel

The United States and several other countries have suspended aid to UNRWA, the main humanitarian agency in Gaza, since the 26th of January. The unprecedented funding crisis was precipitated by Israel's claim that 13 of UNRWA's 13,000 staff in Gaza were involved in the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel which killed about 1200 people. Tel Aviv claims that as many as 190 UNRWA staff were militants. UNRWA, 150 of whose staff have been killed since October last year, shelters about a million Palestinians in its buildings, besides running several other essential services. If funding is not restored soon, the UN agency will have to end operations by the end of this month. As a course corrective measure, it promptly fired staff after being alerted to Israel's allegations. The UNRWA chief, Philippe Lazzarini, has dubbed the suspension "an additional collective punishment" for Palestinians. Mohammed Saleh brings you the details.

Israeli claims of UNRWA culpability remain unsubstantiated

The talks of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas aren't going anywhere. Hamas has demanded the release of Marwan Barghouti. He is a leading figure of the group's main political rival. He is also the highest-profile prisoner held by Israel. Will Israel release Barghouti?

Gravitas | The secret obstacle in the Gaza ceasefire: Marwan Barghouti

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