Hamas say ceasefire talks ongoing amid concerns over Rafah

Senior Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera that negotiations are ongoing, with Israel's planned assault of Rafah being a "key element" of the talks. 

"Until now, we are still talking about the main issue, which is the complete ceasefire and complete withdrawal from Gaza. We hope to find some good and positive answers today," said Hamdan. 

"Unfortunately, there was a clear statement from Netanyahu saying that regardless of what may happen, if there was a ceasefire or not, he will continue the attack [on Rafah]."

"We want clarity on what this statement means... our understanding is that any achievement for a ceasefire means that there will be no more attacks against Gaza and Rafah."