A member of Israel’s negotiation team has said Hamas’ demand that Israel halt their operation in Gaza to reach a ceasefire deal is “delusional”, Al Jazeera reports citing Israel’s Ynet news site.

“It won’t happen,” the unnamed official told Ynet.

“Israel is fighting in Gaza, it will continue to fight in Gaza with all its strength, and if they (Hamas) want a truce for the benefit of Gaza’s residents it must only be through negotiating the release of hostages.”

Yesterday, Hamas issued a statement saying it is ready to “reach a complete agreement that includes a comprehensive exchange deal”, but it cannot negotiate while Israel continues its “aggression, siege, starvation and genocide of our people”.