Hamas, on Wednesday night, seemed poised to reject the latest hostage deal proposal crafted by mediators and approved by Israel.

Osama Hamdan, a Hamas official based in Lebanon, informed the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar TV that, “Our position on the current negotiating paper is negative.”

The terror group was reportedly preparing to submit an amended proposal on Thursday to the one crafted by Qatari, Egyptian, and American brokers.

It remains uncertain whether Israel would show further flexibility, having already agreed to a proposal for the release of 33 female, elderly, and sick hostages in the initial stage of the truce deal. This followed Hamas’s rejection of the previous proposal, which aimed to release 40 of the most vulnerable hostages.

Hamas’s opposition to the latest offer is rooted in its belief that the proposal falls short of guaranteeing an end to the conflict, according to an Arab diplomat speaking to The Times of Israel. Instead, it envisages both sides engaging in talks during the first six-week phase towards a permanent ceasefire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly informed visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday that the IDF would initiate a significant operation in Rafah to dismantle Hamas’s remaining battalions in Gaza’s southernmost city, regardless of whether a hostage deal is reached, according to an Israeli official.

Hamdan warned that Hamas would withdraw from negotiations if Israel launches its promised operation in Rafah. Blinken reiterated the Biden administration’s stance that Hamas is obstructing a hostage deal.

“Israel has made significant compromises in the proposal on the table, demonstrating its desire and willingness to reach an agreement,” Blinken stated during a press conference at the Ashdod Port. He also reiterated Washington’s opposition to a major IDF ground invasion in Rafah without an effective plan to protect civilians, which Israel has yet to provide.

While Israel’s negotiating team approved the deal Hamas appeared set to reject, it remains unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government would have given a final sign-off. Far-right coalition parties have vehemently opposed the proposal, viewing it as capitulation to Hamas’s demands and a deviation from the original goal of eliminating Hamas’s governing capabilities in Gaza.