Live Update
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Hamas says it will not hold hostage negotiations while IDF op in Gaza continues

Israeli troops and tanks in the Gaza Strip in a photo released December 19, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)
Hamas reiterates its position “categorically rejecting holding any form of negotiations over a prisoner exchange” amid the ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza.
“We are, however, open to any initiative that contributes to ending the aggression on our people and opening the crossings to bring in aid and provide relief to the Palestinian people,” the terror group says in a statement.
The terror group has also conditioned a deal on Israel withdrawing troops from the Strip.
Both conditions are non-starters for Israel.