Israel has moved in 'significant way' but Hamas remains barrier to Gaza hostage deal, US says

Israeli military vehicles manoeuvre, near the Israel-Gaza border

FILE PHOTO: An Israeli military vehicle manoeuvres, near the Israel-Gaza border, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Israel, April 15, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

Israel has moved in a "significant way" but Hamas is the barrier to a deal that would see fighting in Gaza paused and hostages released, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday.

Hamas rejected the latest proposal for a deal and has said any new hostage deal must bring about an end to the Gaza war and withdrawal of all Israeli forces.

"Israel moved a significant way in submitting that proposal. And there was a deal on the table that would achieve much of what Hamas claims it wants to achieve, and they have not taken that deal," Miller told a press briefing.

The United States is still pursuing a deal that would allow for a ceasefire lasting at least six weeks and allow more aid into Gaza, Miller added.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters