Israel rejects Hamas's ceasefire statement

Israel rejected Hamas's statement on Wednesday announcing its readiness to reach a ceasefire deal, describing it as "more spin from Hamas that contains nothing new".

Hamas has been waiting for Israel's response to a comprehensive cease-fire deal it agreed to several weeks ago – including the establishment of a technocratic government that would control Gaza.

Despite this, the Israeli security cabinet did not discuss the hostage deal over the last few weeks, despite meeting several times and protests across the country.

Instead, meetings have focused primarily preparations for a military takeover of Gaza City, Haaretz reported