Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire plan as Israel continues attacks on Rafah

Hamas has said that it will agree to a ceasefire deal in Gaza, understood to be based on the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

However Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the proposed ceasefire “does not meet Israel’s demands” and attacks on the city of Rafah will continue. Israel has ordered one hundred thousand Palestinians to leave the area and bombing of the city has continued.

Mr Netanyahu has agreed to send a delegation to discuss the Hamas ceasefire proposal in more detail. Talks leading to the offer from Hamas have been led by Egypt, with involvement from Qatar.