Signs of renewed ceasefire talks came as Israel prepared for a military incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah and continued attacks related to that war in the region.
“Today, the Hamas movement received an official response from the occupying Zionists to the movement’s position, which was conveyed to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on April 13,” Khalil al-Hayya, deputy head of Hamas’ political wing in Gaza, said in a brief statement early Saturday morning.
“The movement will look into this proposal and give its response after completing the investigation,” he added.
Hamas has previously demanded a long-term ceasefire, but Israel disagrees.
Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been unsuccessfully trying to secure a new ceasefire deal in Gaza since a one-week ceasefire in November saw 80 Israeli hostages exchanged for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Several Israeli media outlets, citing unnamed officials, say Israel’s war cabinet discussed a new plan for a ceasefire and hostage release ahead of the Egyptian delegation’s visit.
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