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.
Albanese rejects China's argument that Australia was at fault for dangerous aircraft encounter
Wisconsin prison inmate pleads not guilty to killing cellmate
Arizona lands Oakland star forward Trey Townsend out of transfer portal
Rainfall allows Spain's Catalonia to ease water restrictions for 1st time during drought
Struggled with 'I am not a robot' captchas lately? It's not just you... they're getting harder
What it's REALLY like to win the Lottery... by a couple who banked £2.2m
Missouri's GOP lawmakers vote to kick Planned Parenthood off Medicaid
Ariana Grande shakes up the 2024 Met Gala with a surprise performance of her biggest hits
USDA updates rules for school meals that limit added sugars for the first time
Harper hits grand slam, streaking Phillies rout Blue Jays 10
What to listen for during Supreme Court arguments on Donald Trump and presidential immunity