Warning to Israel from UN Secretary-General Guterres

Guterres made a statement to the press before his bilateral meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at his office.

Recalling that he had previously called on Israel and Hamas in a written statement to reach an agreement, Guterres said, "This is an opportunity that must not be missed, and a ground offensive in Rafah is unacceptable."

Guterres stated that a ground offensive in Rafah would have horrific humanitarian consequences and would destabilize the region.

HAMAS HAD APPROVED THE CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL

Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh had informed Qatar and Egypt that he had approved their proposals regarding a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Following Hamas's announcement that it had approved the "ceasefire proposals" conveyed by Qatar and Egypt, the Israeli War Cabinet had decided to continue attacks in Rafah.

The Israeli army, in a statement made in the morning, had requested the evacuation of some neighborhoods in the east of Rafah, where forcibly displaced Palestinians have taken refuge.

According to reports from Israeli Army Radio, approximately 100 thousand Palestinians reside in the area in eastern Rafah that was ordered to be evacuated.

Forced migration has begun in the eastern part of the region due to concerns that the Israeli army will also launch a ground offensive into Rafah.

News Source: AA