Egypt Daily News - Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir downplayed Hamas' decision to approve the Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, stressing that this would not stop the military operation in Rafah.

Ben Gvir said in a post on the “X” platform, “Hamas’ exercises and games have only one answer: the immediate order to occupy Rafah and increase military pressure until Hamas is defeated.”

Army Radio also quoted two security officials as saying: “Preparations for the military operation in Rafah are continuing as planned, and there is no change in the preparations for the operation.”

Israeli media revealed, on Monday, that the operation in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, was unanimously approved by the Israeli Council of Ministers. Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said that the War Administration Council unanimously approved the operation in Rafah last night, noting that the operation is expected to begin very soon.

The newspaper added that once the evacuation of residents begins, the process is expected to begin. On the other hand, the newspaper reported that Israel may stop the invasion of Rafah, south of Gaza, if Hamas agrees to a prisoner exchange deal.

An Israeli official told the newspaper, "If Hamas agrees to an exchange deal, it is possible to stop the operation in Rafah." On Monday, Hamas announced its approval of the Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the movement.

Hamas added that in light of recent contacts with the mediator brothers in Egypt and Qatar, the Hamas delegation will head to Cairo tomorrow (Tuesday) to complete the discussions.