Ceasefire still not reached as Israel 'refuses to stop assassinations'

Senior Israeli officials have denied reports suggesting they agreed to halt the policy of assassinating Palestinian leaders as part of the ongoing ceasefire talks. 

Egypt, Qatar, and the UN have been leading mediation efforts between Israel and Palestinian armed groups. 

Reports on Arabic media suggested that Palestinian groups demanded Israel end the policy of assassinating leaders in their homes as part of the ceasefire. 

They also reportedly asked Israel to transfer the body of Khader Adnan, a Palestinian who died after a hunger strike in Israeli custody earlier this month, back to his family for burial. 

The Times of Israel quoted a senior Israeli defence official who said that "Israel has not committed to stopping the targeted killings".

The news website quoted another official saying they have also refused that request. 

A government official told Haaretz newspaper that "the policy of targeted killing will not be taken off the table."