Hamas reportedly rejected a proposal from Israel for a two-month ceasefire that would involve the relocation of Hamas leadership to other countries and the release of all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas insists that it will not release any hostages until Israel ends its battle in the Gaza Strip and withdraws from the area, according to a senior Egyptian official, The Associated Press reported.

[The offer gave Netanyahu some political breathing room on the hostages, whether intentional or not. Hamas doesn’t have any leverage left than the hostages now, and they’re running out of time and space. They have to hold out for an end to all combat first, and Israel won’t let them off the hook. — Ed]