JERUSALEM (AP) — An announcement by Hamas late Monday that it had accepted a cease-fire proposal sent people in the streets of Rafah into temporary jubilation, as Palestinian evacuees in the jam-packed town felt their first glimmer of hope the war could end.
For families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, the announcement raised the possibility that their long wait was coming to an end — that they might soon see their loved ones.
But the fervor was short-lived.
A few hours after Hamas’ announcement, Israel rejected the proposal — which was different from one the two sides had been discussing for days — and said it was sending a team of negotiators for a new round of talks.
By Tuesday morning, Israeli tanks had rolled into Rafah, cementing the dashed hopes among Israelis and Palestinians of any imminent cease-fire.
In Rafah, disillusioned Palestinians spent Tuesday packing up their belongings and preparing to evacuate.
China's telecoms industry expands steadily in Q1
China Creates over 6.5 Million Urban Jobs in H1
Schools in N China Organize After
How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday, 5/7/2024
Farmers Reap Winter Wheat in Gaomiaoli Village, East China's Shandong
60,000 Youngsters Benefit from Eye Care Project of China's Red Cross Society
China's Online Payment Users Top 900 Mln: Report
World champions aim to refresh records in Xiamen
Students Prepare for National College Entrance Exam in China
Rays starter Ryan Pepiot likely heading to IL after getting hit on left calf by a 107.5 mph liner
China's top legislator urges high