However, Israel said Hamas had accepted a "softened" version of a deal offered by Egypt, which was "not acceptable", according to reports.
An Israeli official added that the militants' announcement appeared to be a "ruse" intended to cast Israel as the side not willing to accept a deal.
Hamas issued their statement early yesterday evening saying its leader Ismail Haniyeh had accepted a proposal in a phone call with Qatari PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim AI Thani and Egypt's intelligence minister General Abbas Kamel.
The deal includes a ceasefire, reconstruction of Gaza, return of the displaced and a prisoner swap deal, according to Hamas official Taher Al-Nono.
The two Middle Eastern nations have been mediating months of talks between Israel and Hamas. The jihadists' announcement came after Israeli military ordered 100,000 Palestinian civilians to leave parts of Rafah stoking fears a ground offensive was imminent. With around 1.4 million refugees sheltering in the war-torn strip's southern city, humanitarian groups have warned any military operation could end in "catastrophe".
The US and Britain have also urged restraint, with President Joe Biden speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday.
The US leader was said by his officials to have underscored that a ceasefire with Hamas was the best way to protect the lives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
This story is from the May 07, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 07, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PEP'S MAD FOUR IT
PEP GUARDIOLA admitted it felt \"insane\" to lead Manchester City to an historic fourth top-flight title in a row.
Klopp feels the love as Anfield says 'Danke'
JURGEN GETS A BIG SEND-OFF IN FINAL GAME
Lando closing the gap to Verstappen
NORRIS TAKES CHAMP TO THE MAX AGAIN
WORLD BEATER
Undisputed king Usyk defies the odds
Tired Scottie in late surge
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER'S unforgettable US PGA finished with a 65 and a huge ovation walking off the final green.
MPs accuse Bank of 'incompetence'
TORY MPs are demanding a review of the Bank of England's independence, accusing it of costing taxpayers thousands of pounds.
Danger cyclists ride roughshod over curbs
CYCLISTS are still flouting road rules in the face of a major clampdown on riders putting people's lives at risk.
Loser Fury blames war sympathy
BOXING superstar Tyson Fury blamed the war in Ukraine yesterday after suffering his first ever defeat in the biggest fight of his career.
Hole lot of problems on the nation's roads
WE WENT to the seaside in Kent last week.
It's Miller time for Sienna and daughter, 11
SIENNA Miller shared the red carpet with daughter Marlowe Sturridge for the first time yesterday at the Cannes Film Festival.