7 May 2024
Crude oil futures climbed on Tuesday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a Hamas-approved cease-fire proposal as “sabotage,” committing instead to continue military operations in Rafah, Gaza. Netanyahu critiqued the proposal for falling short of Israel’s essential demands. This rejection comes amid ongoing conflict, with Israeli forces taking control of the Rafah border crossing, an action that drew criticism from Egypt, which has been mediating the cease-fire talks. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted that operations in Rafah would persist until their objectives regarding Hamas are met.