Hamas reportedly objects to outline deal for hostages, temporary ceasefire: 'A Zionist document'

Army Radio reports that Hamas has responded negatively to a proposed outline for a deal for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The unsourced report says Hamas representatives termed the proposal “a Zionist document,” and objected to the fact that it does not relate to Hamas’s demand for an end to the war, does not include Israeli agreement to the full return of internally displaced residents to northern Gaza, and envisages too few Palestinian security prisoners being freed in return for Israeli hostages.

The US-drafted proposal reportedly provides for a six-week pause in fighting during which some 40 hostages held by terror groups in Gaza would be freed.

The Army Radio report came after the Kan public broadcaster yesterday quoted an Israeli official expressing “very cautious optimism” about the prospects for progress on an agreement.