In brief
Israel has firmly rejected Hamas' claim of readiness for a comprehensive deal to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that no deal will be considered until all hostages are released and Hamas is disarmed. Despite calls for negotiations, tension escalates as Israel prepares for a potential military offensive in Gaza City amid increasing hostilities.
Israel has rejected a statement from Hamas saying the armed group is ready for a comprehensive deal to end the Gaza war and free all its hostages.
This is more spin by Hamas that has nothing new, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.
It insisted the war would end only once the 48 hostages - 20 of whom are believed to be alive - were released, Hamas was disarmed, Gaza was demilitarized, Israel had security control, and an alternative civilian administration was established.
Hamas reiterated its call for a deal that would see hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli forces withdraw, border crossings reopened, and the start of reconstruction.
The group also stated its acceptance of forming an administration run by independent technocrats to govern post-war Gaza.
It issued the statement shortly after US President Donald Trump urged Hamas to return all hostages for any significant changes in negotiations.
Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas must choose between compliance with Israel's terms or seeing Gaza brutally impacted by Israeli military actions.
As the situation intensifies, families of the hostages are growing increasingly concerned that a planned Israeli offensive could risk the safety of their loved ones.
Calls for immediate negotiations from multiple parties emphasize the urgency of reaching a ceasefire agreement to protect the lives at stake.
