Israel rules out ceasefire amid Gaza truce talks

Gaza/Jerusalem, January 24

Israel and Hamas have made some progress toward agreement on a 30-day ceasefire in Gaza when Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners would be released, sources said as Israel pressed ahead with its assault on southern Gaza’s main city.

A government spokesperson, Ilana Stein, ruled out a Gaza ceasefire, pushing back against media reports of a possible new mediated deal with Hamas under which fighting would be halted in exchange for a hostage release.

Qatar, the US and Egypt have for weeks shuttled between Israel and Hamas trying to broker terms for a break in fighting, which would also allow in more food and medical supplies.

But the two sides remain at odds over how to permanently end the Gaza war, which Hamas insists must be decided as part of any ceasefire agreement, the sources said.

Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy said there would be no ceasefire that left Hamas in power and hostages in Gaza.

Meanwhile, two US-flagged ships carrying cargo for the US Defence and State departments came under attack off Yemen. — Agencies