Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Wednesday refuted reports that Hamas had accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar.
Earlier in the day, an Israeli official claimed that the Palestinian militant group had approved the terms of the agreement. Israeli media outlets reported that the deal would be formally announced on Thursday, with its implementation beginning Sunday, including the release of the first group of hostages.
However, Netanyahu’s office dismissed the reports, stating that Hamas had yet to provide a formal response to the proposal.
“Contrary to reports, the Hamas terror organization has not yet returned its response to the deal,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement.
The ceasefire proposal comes amid heightened tensions in Gaza and southern Israel following weeks of conflict. Mediated by Qatar, the proposal reportedly includes a truce and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
While Hamas has not publicly commented on the reports, speculation about the ceasefire has intensified, with both sides under international pressure to de-escalate the conflict.
