Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs ,Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, welcomed the Prime Minister of Palestine and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Mustafa, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday, reported Saudi Press Agency. They discussed strengthening cooperation relations between the two countries, and the latest developments in Palestine, especially developments in the Gaza Strip and the city of Rafah, in addition to the Palestinian government’s priorities and work program.
Invasion of Rafah
Israeli military controlled the Palestinian side of Rafah crossing, Israeli officials said, reported Guardian. Israel told Palestinians in many areas in eastern Rafah to leave to the west and north of city.
Aid officials said that aid flow to Gaza through the crossing has came to a halt as a result of the recent escalation in Gaza.
US President Joe Biden threatened to not send weapons to Israel should they begin an invasion in Rafah.
Hours before Israel’s offence on Rafah begins, Hamas leader announced that they would accept a recent ceasefire deal. Hamas says it has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal to halt seven-month war with Israel. It issued a statement Monday saying its supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, had delivered the news in a phone call with Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence minister.
There was no immediate comment from Israel. US President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to keep him informed about the status of cease-fire talks which were ongoing in Doha, Qatar, earlier in the day, according to the White House.
Recent Egyptian and Hamas statements suggest a phased cease-fire plan. Hamas would release hostages as Israel withdraws troops from Gaza. It’s uncertain if this meets Hamas’ demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war.
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