The US is eager to spread a positive atmosphere around ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in order to support the presidential campaign of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan has reportedly told Lebanese outlet Al Mayadeen, Al Jazeera reports.

Speaking to Al Mayadeen, Hamdan said Hamas still firmly rejects Israel’s continued control over the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors, as well as the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, and this remains a major sticking point.

He also emphasised that the Palestinian group demands “practical measures regarding what was previously agreed upon, not more negotiations”.

“Tomorrow we will have two options: If the entity [Israel] agrees to the initiative, we will discuss the execution phase, or if we hear otherwise, we will inform them then of our position,” he said.