In a tense turn of events, Israeli officials have expressed skepticism over a cease-fire deal that Hamas claims to have accepted from Egypt and Qatar. The Jewish State has revealed that it did not approve the agreement and suspects that it could be a "deception" orchestrated by the terrorist organization.

The situation has reached a critical point, as Israel prepares for an offensive in Rafah, the last remaining stronghold for Hamas. This city has become a refuge for over a million Palestinians who have fled other war-torn areas in the Gaza Strip.

Following Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh's announcement of accepting a deal, multiple Israeli officials have informed various outlets that the presented agreement was a "softened" version, deviating from the true terms initially proposed. As a result, Jerusalem is not taking the announcement seriously, considering it to be a ruse by Hamas to create backlash against Israel for rejecting the deal. One official even referred to it as a "Hamas deception."

The deal allegedly accepted by Hamas consists of a six-week ceasefire and the release of over 30 hostages in Gaza, in exchange for the liberation of several hundred Palestinian prisoners. However, it remains uncertain if this latest deal will address Hamas' principal demand, which stipulates that a cease-fire will only occur if Israel completely withdraws from Gaza and ends the seven-month-long war.

The breakdown of cease-fire talks occurred over the weekend when Hamas attacked an Israeli military outpost, resulting in the death of four soldiers. In response, thousands of Palestinians in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, have been fleeing their homes in anticipation of an Israeli assault. Israeli authorities claim that four Hamas battalions are situated in Rafah, which is also home to more than a million refugees.

The United States has also weighed in on the situation, with President Biden repeatedly warning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching the offensive in Rafah unless the safety of civilians can be guaranteed. During their recent phone call, Biden reiterated his concern and Netanyahu agreed to keep the Kerem Shalom crossing open for humanitarian aid, after having temporarily closed it following Hamas' attack.

As tensions rise and conflicting claims continue, uncertainty looms over the future course of action in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring lasting peace to the region.