Israel reported today, Sunday, that "Hamas" rejected the ceasefire proposal in Gaza that it received last Monday. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a statement that the Hamas movement rejected the latest proposal for the release of Israeli hostages, and that Israel will continue to pursue its goals in Gaza "with full force."
The Israeli external intelligence service, Mossad, which handles negotiations with Hamas regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, also announced that the Palestinian movement rejected the ceasefire proposal put forth by the mediators.
Mossad stated in a statement distributed by Netanyahu's office today, Sunday, that "the rejection of the proposal... shows that the head of the political bureau of the movement in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, does not want a humanitarian agreement or the return of hostages, and continues to exploit tensions with Iran and seeks a comprehensive escalation in the region."
Hamas announced on Saturday that it submitted its response to the mediators in Egypt and Qatar regarding the proposal received last Monday. Hamas reiterated its demands for a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the entire Gaza Strip, the return of displaced persons to their areas and homes, an increase in the entry of relief and aid, and the commencement of reconstruction.
It also confirmed its readiness to enter into a "serious and genuine prisoner exchange deal between the two parties." The mediators’ proposal stipulates the release of 42 detainees in Gaza in exchange for the release of 800 to 900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, the entry of 400 to 500 trucks of food aid daily, and the return of displaced persons from northern Gaza to their towns.
