Hamas has said that it is conducting consultations on ceasefire proposals from international mediators aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the Palestinian militant group called the talks serious and said it is acting with a high sense of responsibility. Mediators are reportedly working to bridge gaps between the parties and lay the groundwork for renewed negotiations.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, making his first public remarks since Trump spoke, called for the elimination of Hamas.
Hamas and Israel have held several rounds of indirect negotiations over the past months, but no final ceasefire agreement has been reached.
Netanyahu vowed however, “We will free all our hostages, and we will eliminate Hamas. It will be no more,” in filmed comments in the city of Ashkelon near Gaza’s northern border. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar earlier said that he saw “some positive signs,” amid high pressure to bring home the hostages.