Israeli officials start briefing against Hamas ceasefire proposal

An Israeli official widely quoted by Hebrew media claims that Hamas "effectively rejects" the ceasefire proposal, though no evidence was provided.

This claim was reported by the Times of Israel shortly after Hamas announced that it had submitted a response to Qatari and Egyptian mediators, expressing "readiness to positively" consider a deal to end Israel's assault on Gaza.

Meanwhile, another Israeli source told Haaretz that "Hamas' response included amendments to the Israeli proposal, including a timetable for a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, including Rafah."

Hamas' demand for a full withdrawal is not new and has been part of the proposal since the beginning of Israel's war on the Strip.

"Talks will continue through Qatari and Egyptian mediators in coordination with the United States to see if an agreement can be reached," the Israeli source told Haaretz.