Hamas seized upon Netanyahu’s comments, saying his bid for a partial deal was a “clear rejection” of the proposal outlined by President Joe Biden for a comprehensive three-phase agreement to release the hostages and bring an end to the fighting in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s office responded late Sunday, saying it was Hamas “which opposes a deal, not Israel.”

“Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear that we will not leave Gaza until we return all 120 of our hostages, living and deceased,” it said.