Israel has commenced a military operation in the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, following the rejection of Hamas' claim of a cease-fire as a deception. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday night local time that targeted strikes against Hamas terror targets in eastern Rafah were underway.

The eyes of the world are now focused on Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge while fleeing conflict in other parts of the territory. The international community, including President Biden, has repeatedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the safety of civilians before proceeding with the offensive. President Biden reiterated this during a call with Netanyahu earlier on Monday.

Notably, the White House's national security spokesman, John Kirby, emphasized the US's opposition to ground operations in Rafah, stating that the president had been consistent in this regard. Despite these concerns, the IDF entered Rafah, while Hamas retaliated by firing rockets at Israeli cities near the Gazan border, including Sderot and Nir Am. The Iron Dome defense system intercepted the missiles, although falling shrapnel damaged a home.

Israel's war cabinet unanimously voted in favor of the attack on Hamas' final stronghold in an effort to apply military pressure on the terror group and make progress on freeing hostages and achieving other war aims, according to a statement from Netanyahu's office. The prime minister criticized Hamas' recent truce offer, describing it as falling far short of Israel's demands.

Following Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's announcement of accepting a cease-fire deal, Israeli officials informed multiple outlets that the proposal presented to the group was a "softened" version and not being taken seriously by Israel. Officials characterized Hamas' announcement as a ruse to create backlash against Israel. Nevertheless, Israel is still sending a negotiation team to Cairo in an attempt to achieve acceptable terms.

The US State Department expressed its disapproval of an intensified military operation in Rafah, asserting that negotiations in Cairo were the best way to reach a cease-fire. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also emphasized the need for negotiations, urging both Israel and Hamas to make an extra effort to end the suffering of the people.

Hamas' announcement of accepting a cease-fire triggered celebrations in Gaza, with Palestinians expressing joy in the streets. However, as the offensive began in Rafah, families and supporters of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza protested outside Netanyahu's home, accusing him of prioritizing the war over their loved ones' lives.

Israel has consistently rejected any cease-fire that calls for an end to the conflict until Hamas is eradicated and Gaza no longer poses a threat to the Jewish State. In anticipation of the military action, thousands of Palestinians fled parts of Rafah after receiving warning messages from Israel. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk criticized the situation, stating that the battle in Rafah would only further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The IDF has assured that more than 100,000 Palestinians instructed to flee eastern Rafah on Monday would receive humanitarian assistance in designated zones. Israel has also agreed to keep the Kerem Shalom crossing open to allow the flow of aid, despite closing it temporarily after Hamas' recent attack.

As the situation in Rafah unfolds, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution that ensures the safety of civilians and mitigates the suffering in the region.