IDF says cease-fire claims are ‘Hamas deception’ and terror group agreed to ‘softened’ deal

Israeli officials said the cease-fire deal Hamas claims to have accepted from Egypt and Qatar on Monday was not approved by the Jewish state — and that it could be a “deception” by the terrorist organization. 

The stakes could hardly be higher at this moment. Israel is preparing to launch an offensive in Rafah, the last stronghold for Hamas — and a city where more than 1 million Palestinians have taken refuge while fleeing war elsewhere in the Gaza Strip.

IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral. Daniel Hagari said Israel was reviewing Hamas’ response but still preparing for a possible deployment into Rafah, the Jerusalem Post reports.