Israel rejects Hamas demand for end to fighting after phase one of ceasefire proposal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has released a statement saying it wants to reserve the right to continue its offensive on Gaza after a hostage exchange.

The statement, reported by Israeli media, suggests that Israel is opposing a ceasefire proposal because it rejects a guarantee for a cessation of hostilities after hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners are exchanged.

“Hamas continues to insist on a principle clause in the outline that would prevent Israel from resuming fighting after phase one of the deal - something that is unacceptable to Israel,” the statement, which Israeli media is attributing to a senior Israeli security official, says.

The US insists that Israel supports a plan for a full-cessation of hostilities in Gaza which has been endorsed by the UN Security Council.