Israeli prime minister’s office denies Hamas agreed to Gaza deal
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Children walk through debris and rubble at the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on Jan 14.
PHOTO: AFP
JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denied on Jan 15 that Hamas had agreed to the Gaza ceasefire proposal from Qatari mediators, after an Israeli official said the Palestinian militant group had given its approval.
Israeli media channels had reported that, following the green light from Hamas, the deal would be formally announced on Jan 16 and would come into effect on Jan 19 with the release of the first of the hostages.
However the prime minister’s office said Hamas had not communicated its answer to the proposal.
“Contrary to reports, the Hamas terror organisation has not yet returned its response to the deal,” the prime minister’s office said.
Hamas gave verbal approval to the Gaza ceasefire proposal under negotiation in Qatar and is waiting for more information to give final written approval, a Palestinian official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters on Jan 15.
An official from the militant group earlier said Hamas has not yet given a written response to the ceasefire proposal. REUTERS
