Israeli leaders approve military push into Rafah despite Hamas ceasefire moves

Hanging over the wrangling was the threat of an all-out Israeli assault on Rafah, a move that the United States strongly opposes and that aid groups warn will be disastrous for some 1.4 million Palestinians taking refuge there.

Palestinians line up for food in Rafah (AP Photo/Hatem Ali, File)

After Hamas on Monday announced its acceptance of an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, Israel said its leaders approved a military operation in the southern Gaza town of Rafah and began striking targets in the area.

Still, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would send negotiators to continue talks on the deal.