Hamas has rejected the latest Gaza truce proposal, according to a statement by the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office Sunday.
Rejection of the proposal “proves that [Hamas Gaza chief Yahya] Sinwar does not want a humanitarian deal and the return of the hostages, is continuing to exploit the tension with Iran, and is striving to unite the sectors and achieve a general escalation in the region,” the statement said.
Israel, it said, will continue to pursue its Gaza war objectives “with full force” and will “leave no stone unturned to return the 133 hostages from Gaza forthwith.”
Hamas had said Saturday it had submitted its response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on a proposed truce with Israel in the Gaza Strip, insisting on a “permanent cease-fire.”
Truce talks started April 7 in Cairo but have so far brought no breakthrough on a plan presented by U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
In a statement, the U.S. terror-designated group reaffirmed its demands for a mediated truce, including “a permanent cease-fire, the withdrawal of the occupation army from the entire Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced to their areas and places of residence, intensification of the entry of relief and aid, and the start of reconstruction.”
Hamas said it was also ready “to conclude a serious and real prisoner exchange deal between the two parties.”
Netanyahu has opposed a permanent cease-fire and has vowed to send ground troops into Rafah, ignoring an international outcry against it, including from the United States.
Netanyahu’s office said Saturday “the only obstacle to obtaining the release of the abductees is Hamas and not any factor on the Israeli side.”
Hamas is believed to be holding roughly 100 hostages, as well as the remains of about 30 people who either died in captivity or were killed in the October 7, terror attack which triggered the war.
