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. |
Highlights of team competitions of 2022 Chinese National Table Tennis ChampionshipsHighlights of Asian Cup 2022China's Lin edges compatriot Liang in men's lastChina records nearly 5 bln domestic trips in 2023Medal hero keeping the kung fu spirit aliveBeijing 2022 Olympic athletes honored at ANOC Awards 2022Team China braced for tough challengeEnterprises bullish on supply chain expoChina wins 2023 FIBA 3x3 Women's Series in WuhanXi Meets Senegalese President in Johannesburg