Hamas Rejects Israel's Proposal

According to several Western media outlets, Hamas, the group controlling the Gaza Strip, has rejected Israel's proposal for a one-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of nearly 40 hostages, including all women and children, who remain in the hands of the Islamists.

On Wednesday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh held talks in Cairo with representatives of the Egyptian authorities regarding the possible new humanitarian ceasefire in Hamas's war against Israel. However, sources familiar with the meeting indicated that the discussions were endless.

Egypt, along with Qatar, is one of the leading mediators in the talks between Israel and Hamas. Haniyeh's delegation told the Egyptian mediators that Israel must first cease its attacks in the region and withdraw its troops before discussing any potential deal, according to the Wall Street Journal.

However, Israel must release all Palestinian prisoners before Hamas agrees to free the remaining hostages, the group stated. Such terms are categorically unacceptable to Israel.

Egypt has proposed another humanitarian ceasefire, but the idea of a 'temporary solution' to the war has been rejected by the Hamas delegation, the source noted. The Palestinian Islamist group has informed the Egyptians that its position remains unchanged. 'No exchanges will take place until a final ceasefire is reached,' the source said.