Hostilities have destroyed any hopes that a ceasefire could be reached before the 5 November US presidential election.

Hamas television, citing a leading source in the group, said the ceasefire proposals did not meet its conditions.

“The proposals do not include a permanent halt to attacks, the withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip or the return of displaced people,” the source said.

These do not address Palestinians’ security, aid and reconstruction needs, as well as the full reopening of border crossings, the source said.

The delegation also demanded the provision of food, medicine and shelter, and said any agreement should include the exchange of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons for Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza.

Addressing the graduating troops on Thursday, Israeli Netanyahu said: “Agreements, documents, proposals are not the main thing.

“The main issue is our ability and determination to ensure security despite all kinds of pressures and restrictions, to prevent attacks against us and to take action against the armament of our enemies. This is the main issue.” he said.