Israel’s military spokesperson has said that all proposals regarding negotiations to free hostages in Gaza are examined seriously, and that in parallel it continues to operate in the territory, Reuters reports.

Asked during a media briefing whether Hamas saying it accepted a ceasefire proposal would impact a planned offensive in the Gaza city of Rafah, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said: “We examine every answer and response in the most seriously manner and are exhausting every possibility regarding negotiations and returning the hostages.”

“In parallel, we are still operating in the Gaza Strip and will continue to do so,” he said.