Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on July 13 that Israel accepted proposals from US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators for a Gaza ceasefire, but blamed Hamas for refusing to reach an agreement.

Netanyahu said in a video posted on his X account that he had returned from an important and very successful visit following a major victory over Iran, noting there were many opportunities, possibilities and tasks he was determined to achieve.

Regarding media reports about the Israeli government rejecting a Gaza truce proposal, Netanyahu said their discourse always repeats Hamas propaganda but they are always wrong.

"We accepted the deal, Witkoff's deal, then the version proposed by the mediators. We accepted it, Hamas is the one that rejected them both," Netanyahu said on July 13.

The Israeli leader said Hamas wants to remain present in Gaza, wants Israel to withdraw and rearm itself so it can attack repeatedly, which he would not accept.

Netanyahu said he would do everything possible to return Israeli prisoners, adding that he meets with hostage families, understands their position and knows their suffering whilst remaining determined to bring captives home and eliminate Hamas.

He said he was insistent on releasing prisoners and on the other war goal in Gaza of eliminating Hamas and ensuring Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.

The comments come amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire deal that would secure the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a temporary halt to fighting.

International mediators including the United States, Qatar and Egypt have been working to broker an agreement between Israel and Hamas for months, with talks repeatedly stalling over various terms.

Netanyahu's remarks represent his latest attempt to shift blame for the failure to reach a ceasefire agreement onto Hamas whilst defending his government's negotiating position.

The war in Gaza began following Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel and has continued for more than nine months despite multiple rounds of ceasefire negotiations.

"I am determined to bring the prisoners home and eliminate Hamas," Netanyahu said.