Hamas claims to want ceasefire, rejects U.S.-backed plan

Hamas official Taher al-Nunu on Wednesday said that the terrorist organization was serious about reaching an agreement with Israel, but he didn’t accept a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. He said Hamas wanted a complete end to the war, according to the Associated Press. Hamas representatives were expected to meet on Wednesday with Qatari and Egyptian officials to discuss the proposed 60-day ceasefire, the AP reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening said that Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in its war with Hamas. The period would be used to work toward an end to the war, he said. Qatari and Egyptian authorities would present the plan to Hamas, Trump said. He described it as a final proposal and urged Hamas to take the deal or face worsening consequences.

Ceasefire talks have repeatedly faltered in recent months, with Hamas insisting that Israel completely withdraw from Gaza and end the war. Israel meanwhile has maintained that Hamas must surrender, disarm, and disband.

What other U.S.-Israel cooperation is upcoming? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Trump and senior American officials in the United States next week. They will discuss Israel’s operation against Iran, Netanyahu said.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report delving into accusations of violence and killings near aid distribution centers in Gaza.