Hamas says Israel rejected ceasefire deal including release of all captives, adds ready for lengthy battle
In his first video message since March 6, the spokesperson of Hamas’s military wing Qassam Brigades has said the Palestinian group repeatedly offered to release all captives at once to conclude a comprehensive ceasefire deal, but Israel rejected the proposal.
Abu Obeida said the group would not agree to an interim truce in the future if a ceasefire agreement was not reached and accused Israel of intransigence.
His comments come as stuttering indirect talks have resumed in Qatar, but with no progress.
If Israel disavows this round of talks, the spokesperson said, Hamas “will not guarantee a return to the formula of partial [swap] deals or the proposal of the 10 prisoners”.
Abu Obeida also said Hamas fighters are “ready to continue a long battle of attrition”.
Netanyahu tells pope ‘stray ammunition accidentally’ struck Gaza church
In a phone call to Pope Leo XIV, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed Israel’s regret “for the tragic incident in which stray ammunition accidentally” struck the Holy Family Church in Gaza. Three people were killed and 10 were wounded in the attack.
Israel has repeatedly attacked churches and the displaced Palestinians sheltering inside them since it began its war on Gaza on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu sent Israel’s condolences to the families of those hurt in the incident, read a statement from the prime minister’s office.
The Israeli leader also gave the pontiff an update on efforts to secure a deal for the captives and a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza – “efforts that have so far not been reciprocated by Hamas,” a statement claimed.
A short while ago, a Hamas spokesperson said that Israel had rejected a deal that would have seen the release of all captives held by Palestinian groups in Gaza.
