Palestinian movement Hamas has not seen Egypt's new proposal for a ceasefire and hostage exchange with Israel, Hamas political office deputy head Mousa Abu Marzook told Sputnik.
Earlier this week, the US news portal reported, citing Israeli officials, that the new head of Egypt's intelligence service had presented the head of Israel's Security Agency with the idea of a "small" deal to free hostages and cease fire in the Gaza Strip, which could serve as a catalyst for negotiations on a broader agreement. In particular, Egypt is proposing to start with a deal that would include the release of a small number of prisoners held by Hamas in exchange for a few days of a ceasefire in Gaza.
"We read about it in the media, but there have been no talks or discussions from the Egyptian side so far. There are no negotiations at all now," the deputy head said.
Palestinian movement Hamas has not yet picked a new leader after the recent death of previous leader Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip, Marzook noted.
"Not yet; we are still holding discussions," the deputy head explained, adding that Israel will not be able to "drive Hamas out of the Gaza Strip."
The name of the new leader will be announced officially, he said.