Israel appears to be giving Hamas a 48- to 72-hour deadline to accept a ceasefire deal that includes the release of hostages before launching a ground invasion of the town of Rafah, according to the Ynet news website.

According to the same publication, cited by the Times of Israel, the head of the Israel Defense Forces, Herchi Halevi, approved the final plans for military action in the town of Rafah, but also for the refugee camps in the center of the Strip.

According to the website, which did not cite a source, Israeli tanks are lined up at the Gaza border and ready for the go-ahead to launch the offensive, which is seen by Israel as the last necessary military action to root out Hamas forces. from the Strip, despite warnings of an impending humanitarian disaster if civilians are not removed from danger.

The tactical battle plans have been finalized in recent days, Ynet reports. They involve a phased invasion that could be halted or delayed if hostage talks progress.