Israel has rejected a statement from Hamas saying the armed group is ready for a 'comprehensive deal' to end the Gaza war and free all its hostages.
'This is more spin by Hamas that has nothing new,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.
It insisted the war would end only once the 48 hostages - 20 of whom are believed to be alive - were released, Hamas was disarmed, Gaza was demilitarised, Israel had security control, and an 'alternative civilian administration' was established.
Hamas reiterated its call for a deal that would see hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli forces withdraw, border crossings reopened, and the start of reconstruction.
The group also said it agreed to the formation of an administration run by independent technocrats to govern post-war Gaza.
It issued the statement on Tuesday evening, hours after US President Trump wrote on social media: 'Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!'
Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Hamas now had to choose between accepting Israel's terms or seeing Gaza 'become the equivalent of Rafah and Beit Hanoun', which have been largely flattened by Israeli bombardment and demolitions. The Israeli military was 'preparing in full force', he warned.
Hostages' families are concerned that they will be endangered by the looming offensive to capture and occupy Gaza City. They demand the government agree to a deal that would secure the release of their loved ones.
In recent days, the Israeli military has intensified air and ground assaults on the outskirts of Gaza City, declaring it a 'dangerous combat zone'.
Since **August 14**, more than **82,000** people have been newly displaced, many fleeing from previous evacuations. The **UN** warns that further escalation could lead to catastrophic humanitarian consequences.
