Hamas denies withdrawing from talks with Israel

Hamas has officially denied a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP) stating that the head of Hamas's political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, had informed intermediaries and regional stakeholders via a series of phone calls about the group's decision to halt negotiations.

The decision was allegedly due to Israel's "lack of seriousness" in the talks and "massacres" in Gaza, according to AFP.

"The publication by the French news agency, which some media outlets circulated, is unfounded," Hamas stated. The statement pointed out that the purpose of Israel's operation to eliminate Muhammad Deif near Khan Younis on Saturday was "an attempt by Netanyahu and his government to torpedo an agreement that would stop the aggression against our people."