Tel Aviv, February 8 (RHC)-- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a proposal by Hamas for a three-phase ceasefire where Hamas would release all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas is seeking an end to the Israeli assault and for all Israeli troops to leave Gaza.  

On Wednesday, Netanyahu said the war on Gaza would continue, and ordered Israeli forces to prepare to attack the southern city of Rafah.  The Israeli prime minister said: “I would like to emphasize again that there is no solution other than total victory.”

At a news conference yesterday, released hostages pleaded with Netanyahu to prioritize the release of remaining captives in Gaza. 

Despite Netanyahu’s vow to continue the assault on Gaza, truce negotiations are continuing.  A Hamas delegation is in Cairo today for talks with mediators from Egypt and Qatar. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up his Middle East trip after visiting Israel and the occupied West Bank, where he was met by Palestinian protesters.