Hamas and Israel Issue Conflicting Statements on Gaza

The Palestinian Hamas group, recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the European Union, has agreed to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This was reported by the BBC, citing a statement from the jihadists.

The head of Hamas's political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, conveyed the news to the Prime Minister of Qatar and the head of Egypt's intelligence services via telephone. Details of the agreement have yet to be disclosed.

Doha and Cairo are mediating the deal, which includes, among other things, the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Earlier, negotiators from Qatar and Egypt presented Hamas with relevant proposals regarding the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, an Israeli official told Reuters that the mediators conveyed an Egyptian 'softened' proposal to the Palestinian side. This is deemed unacceptable for Israel. No further details have been provided regarding Israel's response.