Sri Lanka, April 18 -- Hamas has formally turned down Israel's most recent proposal for a ceasefire agreement.

The organisation stated its readiness to immediately negotiate a deal that would involve the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza in exchange for an end to the ongoing conflict and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

In a video statement, Hamas' chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, asserted that they would not "accept partial deals that serve [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's political agenda."

Israel's latest offer reportedly included a 45-day ceasefire in return for the release of 10 hostages.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....