Israel Urges Hamas to Accept Ceasefire Proposal

Israel is hopeful that pressure from international mediators and the United States will persuade Hamas to accept a ceasefire for a hostage release deal, according to a statement from the prime minister's office. The deal was proposed on May 27.

Israel expressed optimism that international mediators and the United States will convince Hamas to agree to a ceasefire in exchange for releasing hostages, stated the prime minister's office on Friday.

The ceasefire proposal, put forward on May 27, has not yet been accepted by Hamas.

'Israel appreciates the efforts of the U.S. and the mediators to dissuade Hamas from its refusal to accept a hostage release deal,' the statement added.