Hamas considers halting negotiations amid Rafah invasion threats

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen
6 May 2024 15:10

A Palestinian Resistance source informed Al Mayadeen that the threat of invading Rafah would not influence Hamas' approach to the negotiations.

This picture taken on April 30, 2024, shows tents at a camp housing forcibly displaced Palestinians in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip amid the ongoing Israeli genocide. (AFP)

A Palestinian Resistance source informed Al Mayadeen on Monday that Hamas is contemplating halting the current negotiations in Cairo because of "Israel's" threat to invade Rafah. The source stressed that the threat would not influence Hamas's approach to the negotiations.

This development follows closely on the heels of a New York Times article, which included comments from an unnamed Israeli official, indicating that a captive deal was potentially imminent on Saturday. However, the situation shifted when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that there would be no agreement that would result in an end to the war on Gaza, subsequently leading to a harder stance from Hamas.

It is worth noting that the head of Hamas' Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh stated on Sunday that an end to the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people is an "essential and rational" prerequisite to a mediated deal between the Palestinian Resistance and the Israeli regime.

While "Israel" prepares for a full-scale invasion of Rafah, UNRWA reiterated its warning of the serious consequences of this move amid an unbearable civilian toll and an already dire humanitarian crisis.

UNRWA cautioned on Monday that the Israeli invasion of Rafah would result in increased civilian suffering and casualties, with devastating consequences for the 1.4 million people sheltering in the area.

Despite the potential risks, UNRWA stated its commitment to maintaining its presence in Gaza for as long as possible. The agency affirmed that it would persist in delivering vital humanitarian assistance to the residents of the region.

Egypt denies closure of Rafah crossing

In a recent development, a senior Egyptian source has refuted claims of the closure of the Rafah border crossing. The source, speaking on Monday, asserted that the Rafah crossing is functioning normally, facilitating the continuous flow of aid into the Gaza Strip.

Addressing Al-Qahira Al-Youm TV channel, the source dismissed reports circulated by certain media outlets suggesting the closure of the Rafah border crossing.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry previously condemned "Israel's" imposition of a blockade and collective punishment on Palestinians in Gaza. He highlighted the illegal obstacles hindering the safe and swift delivery of aid to the region.

Shoukry emphasized the importance of implementing Security Council Resolution 2720 and advocated for the establishment of a UN mechanism in Gaza to ensure the immediate and unconditional distribution of humanitarian assistance within the territory.

'Israel' makes move on Rafah, forced displacement commences

The Israeli occupation forces officially began, on Monday, the forceful displacement of the already-displaced Palestinian people currently seeking shelter in Rafah, which had been designated by the Israelis as an alleged "safe zone" early in the war.

With flyers dropping from the skies, SMS, and social media broadcasts, the Israeli occupation's action on Rafah is set to be yet another episode of this live-streamed genocide.

#رفح_تحت_القصف

مليون ونصف فلسطيني يقيمون في المخيمات سيتعرضون لأكبر جريمه ف التاريخ
تحت تواطيء العرب وصمت الانسانيه .. pic.twitter.com/s3PAxblpZ6
— Eمan ميما (@EmY_TR_Rahman20) May 6, 2024

According to Israeli spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the IOF has allegedly expanded the alleged "humanitarian zone" in the Mawasi area and is forcing Palestinians out of eastern Rafah, which was allegedly the initial "safe zone".

The action being taken by the Israeli occupation would forcefully displace at least 100,000 of the 1.4 million Palestinians currently displaced in Rafah. It would also threaten to hold all remaining Palestinians in Gaza hostage, as the Rafah border crossing will likely be targeted through bombardments.