Israel receives Hamas' response to Gaza truce proposal

Jerusalem, March 15 (IANS) Israel has reportedly received Hamas' response to a new ceasefire deal proposal from Qatari mediators.

David Barnea, chief of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, on Thursday received the written response from Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Xinhua news agency reported, citing an Israeli official.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement, saying Hamas "continues to fortify itself with unfounded demands".

The Prime Minister's office added that the wartime Cabinet is expected to convene on Friday to discuss the proposal.

Hamas confirmed in a statement that it has presented a "comprehensive vision" of a truce that includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza since the group launched its deadly attack on Israel on October 7 last year.