Hamas announces it has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal
Hamas has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a cease-fire to halt the seven-month-long war with Israel in Gaza. The deal follows Israel ordering 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate from Rafah, signaling a potential ground invasion. The cease-fire would take place in stages, with Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Israeli troop pullbacks from Gaza. Israel's closest allies, including the US, have repeatedly urged Israel not to attack Rafah, raising global alarm over the fate of around 1.4 million Palestinians sheltering there.