## Israeli Officials: Israel Determined to Launch Military Operation in Rafah

Israeli officials told Bloomberg that negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have "stalled," indicating that there are significant gaps between the two sides. Bloomberg also reported, citing Israeli officials, that among the "contentious points" is Hamas's insistence on the return of residents from northern Gaza to their homes and the release of all Palestinians from Israeli prisons. According to Bloomberg, Israeli officials stated, "Israel is determined to launch a military operation in Rafah," in southern Gaza. Earlier, Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh stated that the movement is steadfast in its conditions for a ceasefire, including the withdrawal of the Israeli army. Haniyeh added in a televised speech celebrating Jerusalem Day, "We clearly affirm that we are committed to our demands for a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from Gaza, the full return of displaced persons to their homes, the provision of all necessary aid to our people in Gaza, the reconstruction of the Strip, the lifting of the siege, and the establishment of a dignified prisoner exchange deal."