TEL AVIV: Israel has denied reports which claimed that it has agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza. News agencies reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has denied ceasefire reports. Hamas has also announced that it is not ready for a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Gillard Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the US, stated that Israel is not interested in occupying Gaza, but will proceed with measures to eliminate Hamas. Erdan clarified Israel's stance after US President Joe Biden said that Israeli occupation of Gaza would be a 'big mistake.'

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said that Hamas, which attacked across the border, took 199 hostages. Earlier, the army had said that 155 people were held hostage by Hamas. The army also said authorities have contacted the families of the hostages. Efforts are being made to locate the place where the hostages are kept. Israel also stated that it would not carry out an attack that endangers the lives of the hostages.

The Hamas Home Ministry said more than 1,000 Palestinians were trapped in the ruins of buildings destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it has delivered essential medical supplies to Beirut amid ongoing clashes between Hamas and the Israeli army on the Lebanese border.