Israel-Hamas war The negotiations

Analysis: Is it for real or are they just playing tricks?

Israel has taken a major step towards a ground invasion of Rafah in Gaza, Sky News' John Sparks writes in an analysis, referring to Monday's call for civilians to leave eastern Rafah.

He believes that the Israeli intention is clear and notes that the call came despite the US saying that it cannot accept a ground invasion. If it is implemented anyway, the Western countries' support for Israel will be tested, he writes.

ABC News' Middle East correspondent Allyson Horn writes that an invasion risks creating a rift between the US and Israel, and that it would be a severe blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Twelve hours after Israel ordered an evacuation, Hamas stated that it had accepted a proposal for a ceasefire, she writes.

"Were the warnings of an evacuation an Israeli ploy all along, or is a Rafah invasion still likely?"

SvD's Jesper Sundén writes that the threat of an invasion could be a game, and that the same applies to Hamas' announcement of an accepted proposal.

"All while the Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the relatives of the Israeli hostages are thrown between hope and despair." 

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Possible progress led to cheers: 'Can't describe'

Jubilation broke out among residents of Rafah in Gaza when Hamas announced on Monday evening that it had accepted a proposal for a ceasefire, several media reports.

- I cannot describe my joy, one woman told Global News.

It is unclear what the proposal entails and it has not been accepted by Israel, as it is believed that the country's demands have not been met. As plans for an invasion in Rafah progress, the country says it is ready to send a delegation for negotiations.