Israel rejects number of proposals for calling new ceasefire — Hamas official

The Israeli authorities have rejected a number of proposals and initiatives regarding a new ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya said in an interview with Al Jazeera television on Friday.

"The occupant [Israel] has rejected several proposals and initiatives regarding a new ceasefire deal aimed at the release of our prisoners in exchange for the release of their prisoners," he said, adding that instead Israel showed "determination to resume with the perpetration of crimes."

On Friday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire and announced the resumption of combat operations in the embattled Gaza Strip.