Israel sets deadline for Hamas ceasefire amid diplomatic flurry

Israel has given Hamas a week's ultimatum to agree to a ceasefire and the release of hostages, or face military action in Rafah, as reported by "The Wall Street Journal" on Friday, citing Egyptian officials. The Palestinian group is pushing for a long-term ceasefire.

According to "WSJ", Egypt collaborated with Israel last weekend on drafting a new ceasefire proposal. However, Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas's armed wing, has yet to respond.

Last Friday, CIA Director Bill Burns travelled to Cairo to discuss the ceasefire proposal with Egyptian officials. Concurrently, Hamas declared its intention to send a negotiation team to Egypt.

"WSJ", referencing Egyptian official sources, indicated that the Palestinian organization desires a lasting ceasefire. Moreover, Hamas is seeking assurances from the United States that Israel will comply with the ceasefire's conditions. The group fears the current proposal is too vague and may allow Israel to recommence military operations.

Information from "WSJ" implies the discussed ceasefire would initially last for 40 days, with plans to release 33 hostages and start talks on potentially extending the ceasefire and conducting further prisoner swaps. The subsequent talks would aim to secure a ceasefire for up to a year.

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public declarations of a significant military operation in Rafah, Hamas's last stronghold, he has indicated privately that the operation could be indefinitely delayed if a long-term ceasefire is established. Israelis have also warned that the operation could start soon if Hamas doesn't accept the ceasefire by the upcoming Friday, May 10.

The United States has continuously opposed the Rafah operation, concerned it would worsen the humanitarian crisis and result in high civilian casualties among those taking refuge there.