Palestinian resistance movement Hamas said Saturday it had submitted its response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on a proposed truce with Israel in the Gaza Strip, insisting on a "permanent ceasefire".
Truce talks started on April 7 in Cairo but have so far brought no breakthrough on a plan presented by US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
In a statement, the Palestinian group said it "reaffirms adherence to its demands" including "a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation army from the entire Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced to their areas and places of residence, intensification of the entry of relief and aid, and the start of reconstruction."
Hamas said it was also ready "to conclude a serious and real prisoner exchange deal between the two parties."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed a permanent ceasefire and vowed to send ground troops into Rafah, ignoring an international outcry against it, including from the United States.
Netanyahu's office said Saturday "the only obstacle to obtaining the release of the abductees is Hamas and not any factor on the Israeli side."
"Among other things, Hamas demands an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip.
"The cabinet and the security forces are united in their opposition to these unfounded demands."
"Hamas to this day has refused any deal and any compromise proposal," it said.
New York police officers detain a protester as demonstrators march demanding a ceasefire and the end of Israeli attacks on Gaza, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas near Herald Square in New York City. REUTERS
People hold Israeli flags as they attend a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and to call for the release of hostages, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday. REUTERS
Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and hold placards as during a protest march near the the Houses of Parliament in central London, during a National Day of Action calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. AFP
Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and hold placards as during a protest march near the the Houses of Parliament in central London, during a National Day of Action calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. AFP
Demonstrators attend a protest demanding a ceasefire and the end of Israeli attacks on Gaza in New York City, US. REUTERS
New York police officers detain a protester as demonstrators march demanding a ceasefire and the end of Israeli attacks on Gaza, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas near Herald Square in New York City. REUTERS
People hold Israeli flags as they attend a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and to call for the release of hostages, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday. REUTERS
Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and hold placards as during a protest march near the the Houses of Parliament in central London, during a National Day of Action calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. AFP
Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and hold placards as during a protest march near the the Houses of Parliament in central London, during a National Day of Action calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. AFP
