The Islamic group Hamas has rejected an Israeli proposal for a 45-day ceasefire in return for the release of 10 hostages. The proposal is believed to also include the disarmament of Hamas.



Israel presented the proposal in ceasefire negotiations earlier this month.



In a video message released on Thursday, a senior Hamas official said that the group will not accept partial agreements which are "exploited by Netanyahu and his government as a cover for their political agenda," which is based on continuing the war in the Gaza Strip.



In response to the Israeli call for Hamas to disarm, the official said that possessing arms to resist under occupation is a natural right for Palestinian people.



The official emphasized that Hamas is demanding a complete halt to the war and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza in exchange for the release of all hostages. The official said that Hamas is ready to engage in "comprehensive package negotiations."



Friday marks one month after the Israeli military resumed its offensive in Gaza amid a stalemate in the negotiations.



The Palestinian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 1,691 people had been killed in Gaza over the past month.