Hamas wants plans for deal instead of more talks

Hamas appeared to push back against resuming negotiations on Thursday on any new cease-fire proposals.

In a statement, it urged mediators United States, Egypt and Qatar to submit a plan to implement what was agreed on last month, based on U.S. President Joe Biden's proposal, "instead of going to more rounds of negotiations or new proposals that provide cover for the occupation's aggression."

The leaders of France, Germany and Britain endorsed Monday calls by the United States, Qatar and Egypt for a cease-fire in Gaza, the return of scores of hostages held by Hamas and the “unfettered” delivery of humanitarian aid.

The mediators had spent months trying to get the sides to agree to a three-phase plan in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages captured in its Oct. 7 attack in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel and Israel would withdraw from Gaza.