Hamas studies truce proposal six months into Gaza war

Hamas said on Tuesday it was considering a new framework for a truce proposed during the latest round of negotiations in Cairo, as Palestinians returning to southern Gaza confronted the extent of destruction left after Israeli troops' withdrawal.

Six months into the bloodiest Gaza war, Qatari, Egyptian and American mediators have proposed another temporary ceasefire, according to a Hamas source.

The three-part proposal would halt fighting for six weeks to facilitate an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

Saying it "appreciates" the mediators' efforts, Hamas on Tuesday accused Israel of not responding to any of its demands during the talks.

"Despite this, the movement's leadership is studying the submitted proposal," the Palestinian group Hamas said in a statement.

After months of fierce fighting, Israel announced over the weekend it had pulled its forces from the southern city of Khan Yunis to allow troops to recuperate in preparation for the next phase of the war, including an incursion into Rafah.

A Palestinian family rides on the back of a donkey-drawn carriage next to damaged buildings in Khan Yunis. AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday a date has now been set for sending ground forces into the strip's southernmost city, which hosts most of the displaced Palestinian population.

Foreign powers and humanitarian groups have persistently urged Israel not to carry out an operation there for fear of inflicting mass civilian casualties.

But Netanyahu and his military commanders have insisted victory over Hamas cannot be achieved otherwise.

"It will happen -- there is a date," Netanyahu said in a video that did not specify the timing.

In response, Israel's main backer the United States repeated its objections to a Rafah operation, saying it would "ultimately hurt Israel's security", while Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant called it "the right time for a truce", even as strikes continued to pummel Gaza.

Agence France-Presse