Hamas says response to Israeli ceasefire offer still being prepared

A senior Hamas official on Wednesday said the group has not yet finalised its reply to the latest Israeli proposal for a ceasefire and the release of captives held in Gaza.

Speaking to AFP, Mahmoud Mardawi said: “The movement’s response is still in preparation, and we affirm that there is no room for any partial deal.”

He also made clear that Hamas’s “weapons will not be subject to any negotiations”.

The comments come as international mediators continue to push for a deal to halt the fighting and secure the release of detainees on both sides.