"Israel" rejects Egypt's ceasefire proposal, insists on expanding Gaza offensive

Egyptian sources revealed on Friday evening that efforts to reach a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip have stalled, as the Israeli Occupation insists on expanding its military operation in the enclave.

The sources explained that Tel Aviv had informed mediators of its rejection of the Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire and had backtracked on conditions previously agreed upon in recent days. They added that the Israeli Occupation government expressed its intention to keep its forces in Gaza until the end of the year, alongside escalating its military campaign.

- Statement from Netanyahu’s office -

In contrast, the office of "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a brief statement denying reports that Tel Aviv had rejected the Egyptian initiative, claiming that Hamas remains the main obstacle to reaching an agreement.

In the same context, the "Israeli" newspaper Israel Hayom reported that talks for a temporary truce in Gaza had failed due to "Israel’s" insistence on continuing and expanding its operations.

The newspaper confirmed that Tel Aviv had rejected the latest ceasefire proposal and backtracked on commitments it had previously agreed to in earlier negotiations. It also reiterated its intention to maintain a military presence in the Strip until the end of the year.

The paper also noted that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) are carrying out "mysterious construction work" in the western area of Rafah, including the establishment of new facilities, road development, and field changes, based on satellite imagery.

Neither Cairo nor Doha—both key sponsors of the negotiations—have issued any statements regarding progress in the latest rounds of talks.

In comments carried by Reuters, Hamas spokesperson Taher Al-Nunu expressed the movement’s readiness to discuss a long-term truce with "Israel" and voiced hope that mediators would support the proposal.