Netanyahu acknowledged that he had rejected a ceasefire plan put forward by Hamas as he continued to threaten a return to the conflict if the Palestinian group did not accept the alternative US-led proposal, Al Jazeera reports.

Netanyahu said Hamas has “put forward positions for a permanent ceasefire that are totally unacceptable” while warning it of “further steps” if it continues holding Israeli captives.

“Israel knows that America and President Trump have our back,” he said in a recorded message.