Hamas Rejects New Ceasefire Proposals, Calls for Pressure on Israel

Hamas has stated there is no need for new ceasefire proposals for Gaza and urged pressure on Israel to agree to a previously accepted U.S. plan. Hamas warned that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is using negotiations to extend aggression. The U.S. is expected to present a new truce proposal.

CAIRO, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Hamas declared on Thursday that new ceasefire proposals for Gaza are unnecessary, urging pressure on Israel to endorse a U.S. plan the Islamist group had already agreed to.

The United States is anticipated to introduce a new truce proposal to end the standoff between Hamas and Israel.

In a statement, Hamas claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to sabotage an agreement by refusing to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor in southern Gaza. "We warn against falling into Netanyahu's trap and tricks, as he uses negotiations to prolong the aggression against our people," the statement emphasized.

Hamas confirmed it accepted a U.S. proposal from July 2.

(With inputs from agencies.)