Why has Israel rejected 3-phase ceasefire deal accepted by Hamas
What's the story
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has rejected a ceasefire agreement that had been accepted by Hamas.
The proposal was facilitated by Qatar and Egypt and unveiled on Monday, following nearly seven months of conflict.
Despite celebrations in Gaza and pleas from captive families in Tel Aviv for approval, Israel expressed skepticism and announced its intention to continue its military operation in Rafah.
Proposal accepted
Hamas approves three-stage peace deal
Hamas had approved the ceasefire proposal after thorough discussions.
The group's top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, expressed his approval during a phone call with the prime minister of Qatar and Egypt's intelligence minister.
Haniyeh urged Israel to "seize the moment and accept the proposal."
This acceptance by Hamas was seen as a potential turning point to end the violence that has claimed over 34,735 lives.
Proposal breakdown
Details of the three-stage peace deal
The proposed peace deal consisted of three stages, each lasting 42days.
The first stage required Hamas to release 33 hostages, with Israel reciprocating by freeing Palestinians from their prisons.
Additionally, Israel would reduce its military presence in Gaza and allow unrestricted Palestinian movement.
The second stage called for a complete and permanent halt to military action in Gaza.
The final stage involved an exchange of bodies and the start of reconstruction supervised by Qatar, Egypt, and the United Nations.
Rejection explained
Israel dismisses Hamas-approved peace deal
Israel dismissed the peace proposal shortly after Hamas confirmed its acceptance.
Israeli officials argued that the conditions agreed upon by Hamas did not align with those they had sanctioned.
A statement from Netanyahu's office indicated that Hamas's recent offer fell short of "Israel's essential requirements."