In a statement today, the Palestinian Islamist movement "Hamas" accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip by adding new conditions to the US-backed proposal, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
The radical Palestinian group said it had received the latest response from Israel after talks in Rome involving Israel, the US, Egypt and Qatar.
"From what the mediators conveyed, it is clear that Netanyahu has returned to his strategy of delaying and avoiding reaching an agreement by setting new conditions and demands,'' Hamas said in a statement.
"Hamas" accused Netanyahu of backing away from a proposal previously presented by mediators that was based on an Israeli document.
Washington, which is acting as a mediator in the talks, has repeatedly said a deal is close. The most recent talks are related to a proposal made by US President Joe Biden, presented in May.
"Hamas" wants a ceasefire agreement to end the war in Gaza, and Netanyahu says the conflict will stop only after the group "Hamas" be defeated, notes Reuters.
U.S.-backed mediators Qatar and Egypt have repeatedly said the door to new talks remains open, with both Israel and "Hamas" express willingness to participate.