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Hamas denies reports of ceasefire or Rafah border reopening

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Oct 2023 12:52
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Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Risheq urges the media to rely solely on official sources within the Resistance and the Governmental Work Committee in Gaza.

A picture taken on October 10, 2023, shows the closed gates of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. (AFP)

Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Risheq has denied reports originating from both Israeli and Western outlets regarding an alleged temporary ceasefire or the reopening of the Rafah border crossing.

"Media reports of a truce or the opening of the Rafah crossing are false," he said.

Al-Risheq urged the media to rely exclusively on official sources within the Resistance and the governmental work committee in Gaza.

The Israeli occupation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office dismissed reports of a humanitarian ceasefire, stating, "There is no humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza."

Israeli media reported a ceasefire agreement in the south of the Gaza Strip, alleging that the US, "Israel", and Egypt had agreed to start the ceasefire as of 09:00 am local time and have it extend for 8 hours.

The opening of the Rafah border crossing between the Strip and Egypt reportedly coincides with the alleged ceasefire, which the head of the government media office in Gaza denied knowledge of.

The Egyptian official had noted in an official statement, "We have not received any communications or confirmations from Egyptian authorities regarding the opening of the Rafah crossing."

The strategy of conflicting information has been one of the prominent strategies used by the Israeli occupation to coerce the Palestinian Resistance to accept their rules for the ceasefire.

As stated, "Israel" is conducting violent raids targeting the eastern side of Gaza City and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement saying "there is currently no ceasefire and humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the evacuation of foreigners."

Similarly, the Israeli Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Cabinet member, Israel Katz, said: "I strongly oppose lifting the blockade on Gaza and allowing goods in on a humanitarian basis."

Following those statements, Israeli media reverted to saying that "Israeli ministers will vote on decisions regarding a ceasefire during tonight's cabinet meeting."