TEL AVIV, Israel - The possibility of a Gaza cease-fire deal remains uncertain as Israel launched strikes in eastern Rafah just hours after Hamas announced its acceptance of a proposal from Egypt and Qatar. However, Israel's government dismissed the proposal as inadequate and declared its intention to proceed with a military operation in Rafah.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office released a statement affirming that the decision to continue the operation in Rafah was aimed at exerting military pressure on Hamas to secure the release of Israeli hostages and achieve the war's objectives. While the full details of the proposal accepted by Hamas were not disclosed publicly, it is known that the draft underwent modifications over the weekend.

Egyptian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations, revealed that the proposal involved three phases. The first phase involved the release of a small number of hostages taken from Israel in October, in exchange for a six-week pause in fighting. This would be followed by a second six-week truce, culminating in the third phase, which would include U.S. guarantees for an end to the war.

In response to the news of Hamas accepting the cease-fire proposal, Israeli relatives of the hostages still held in Gaza congregated in central Tel Aviv, hoping for the return of their loved ones. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing some of the families, issued a statement urging all parties involved to fulfill their commitments and seize this opportunity to secure the release of all hostages.

Social media videos captured the jubilant reaction in Gaza, particularly in the city of Rafah, where car horns filled the streets. However, the Israeli government insisted that it would send a delegation to negotiate a new agreement based on conditions acceptable to Israel.

The White House National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, refrained from providing substantial comment on the cease-fire proposal, stating that it was under review and being discussed with regional partners. CIA Director Bill Burns is reportedly actively engaged in addressing the issue on the ground.

Throughout the negotiations, Hamas has maintained its stand on a permanent cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, the return of Palestinians to their northern homes (with Israeli-controlled access), and the release of a significant number of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, including those serving life sentences.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the necessity for Israel to retain the right to continue the war, arguing that a permanent cease-fire and Israeli troop withdrawal would only leave Hamas intact, despite them being responsible for the deadly attack on Israel in October.

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders via text and voice messages to certain parts of Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza adjacent to Egypt. Maps were shared on social media indicating the designated areas for evacuation. It is estimated that approximately a quarter-million people, including over a million displaced Palestinians, reside in the region.

The displaced families, residing in a United Nations-run school, found themselves collecting their belongings but faced challenges finding transportation out of Rafah. Many expressed uncertainty about where to go, as their homes contained their essential items and personal belongings.

Israel has long held the threat of an assault in Rafah, where they believe Hamas's last remaining battalions are stationed. However, the United States and United Nations have consistently warned against such an offensive. President Biden reiterated his opposition to an offensive in Rafah during a recent call with Prime Minister Netanyahu, according to the White House.

As the cease-fire deal hangs in the balance, the situation in Gaza remains precarious, with both the Israeli military operation in Rafah and the possibility of negotiations continuing to shape the region's future.

Aya Batrawy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.