Israel says Gaza offensive would not stop for hostage talks with Hamas

Israeli tanks manoeuvre near the Gaza-Israel border, in Israel

An Israeli tank manoeuvres inside the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, near the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Source: REUTERS

Israel reiterated on Wednesday its refusal to halt the Gaza offensive for a resumption of hostage-release talks with Hamas, after mediator Qatar said it had given the Palestinian militants a U.S.-backed truce proposal.

Efforts to wind down the almost eight-month-old war have stumbled over Israel's declared aim of eliminating Hamas as a governing and military force, while Hamas has given no sign it would step down and wants the Israeli offensive called off.

"Any negotiations with Hamas would be conducted only under fire," Gallant said in remarks carried by Israeli media after he flew abroad a warplane to inspect the Gaza front.

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

By Reuters