Hamas: We Negotiate with Israel "Fiercely" and Will Not Release the Hostages Now

The Hamas movement confirmed that it will not release the Israeli hostages until it achieves its desired goals, stating that it is "engaged in a fierce negotiation battle and we will defeat them." It added that it is insisting in the negotiations on stopping the aggression, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, and allowing displaced people to return to northern Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli war council will hold a meeting tonight to discuss Hamas's response to the American proposal, Israel's position regarding Hamas's response, and the future of negotiations in light of this response. Israel had recalled the majority of the Israeli delegation in Doha following Hamas's rejection of the Israeli proposal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the United States of being responsible for Hamas's decision, which, according to Netanyahu, comes encouraged by the Security Council's call for a ceasefire.