Hamas states that there has been no progress in ceasefire discussions with Israel regarding the Gaza conflict as numerous protesters gather in Tel Aviv, urging for the safe return of captives.

Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official stationed in Lebanon, declared on Saturday that the Palestinian group remains open to considering any ceasefire offers that would bring an end to the prolonged conflict.

New American text

The United States has reportedly introduced a revised proposal through intermediaries Egypt and Qatar to revive stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

The proposal outlines a three-phase deal, with the initial phase comprising a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, and the release of certain captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Efforts from Arab mediators, supported by the US, have not yielded a ceasefire agreement as both sides continue to blame each other for the deadlock.

Hamas insists on a comprehensive resolution to the conflict, including a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel seeks temporary ceasefires until Hamas, in power since 2007, is no longer a threat.

Hamas accuses the US of pressuring them to accept Israel's terms during the negotiations.

In Tel Aviv, around 130,000 Israelis gathered to demand an immediate ceasefire for the return of captives held in Gaza, with family members of the captives appealing for swift action outside the defence ministry.

An unnamed Biden administration official mentioned that the US has proposed new language through Egypt and Qatar to kickstart stalled talks between Israel and Hamas.

The revised text focuses on negotiation terms set by President Joe Biden nearly a month ago, emphasizing a full ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and the exchange of captives.

Hamas and Israel have differing views on the negotiations, with Hamas focusing on prisoner releases, and Israel seeking to address issues like demilitarization in Gaza.

Growing fears of wider war

Concerns mount over the escalation of the Gaza conflict into Lebanon as Hezbollah and Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, issue threats of severe escalation.

Amid fears of a broader conflict, analysts warn about the catastrophic impact of a full-fledged war in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, prompting several countries to advise their nationals to leave Lebanon immediately.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi urges urgent international intervention to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the region.