By Abdel Raouf Arnaout
JERUSALEM (AA) - Israel has opposed a deal with Hamas which could have resulted in the release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian women and children and a 3-day cease-fire commitment in Gaza, state media reported.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said “Tel Aviv opposed the Hamas proposal."
Channel 12 quoted an israeli official as saying that the mediators “know that we are demanding a larger deal."
Earlier in the day, the Israeli army, after raiding the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, said there were "no indications" of hostages being held inside the enclave's largest medical facility.
Abu Ubaida, a spokesperson for Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said earlier this week that Israel was “delaying” the exchange deal.
Hamas had earlier expressed readiness for a comprehensive agreement, which would include releasing all Israeli hostages in Gaza, in exchange for over 7,500 Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails.
The Israeli army claims Hamas holds 239 Israelis, including some with foreign nationalities, in Gaza since Oct. 7. Egypt and Qatar are said to be be mediating efforts for their release.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala