Hamas, a militant group supported by Iran, turned down the outline presented by mediators, according to Mossad, the Israeli external intelligence agency.
While Mossad did not directly say the Iran drone and missile strikes on Israel were to blame, it said Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, “is continuing to exploit the tension with Iran” and “does not want a humanitarian deal and the return of the hostages”.
Israel hails ‘success’ in blocking Iran’s attack. Biden seeks diplomatic response
Israel hails ‘success’ in blocking Iran’s attack. Biden seeks diplomatic response
“We … reaffirm our adherence to our demands and the national demands of our people; with 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,” the Islamist faction said.
The pessimism contrasts with Israeli officials saying last week there had been progress in negotiations for a truce in Gaza that would include the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz said then that the talks had reached a critical point and he “was more optimistic than I was”.
The Israel-Gaza war erupted with fighters from the group attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 250. Israel’s retaliatory attack on Gaza has killed more than 33,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry there.
Biden says Israel making ‘mistake’ in handling of Gaza war
Biden says Israel making ‘mistake’ in handling of Gaza war
Around half the hostages were released during a week-long pause in fighting that ended on December 1. It is unclear how many of the remaining 130 or so captives are still alive.
Israel wants to secure the return of hostages seized by Hamas in its October 7 attack but says it will not stop fighting until Hamas is destroyed as a military force. It also says it still plans to carry out an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than a million civilians have taken refuge.
Hamas said on Saturday it was ready to conclude a prisoners-for-hostages swap deal with Israel that would see the release of hostages still believed to be held in Gaza in return for hundreds of Palestinians jailed in Israel.