GAZA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A senior Hamas official said on Friday the group is assessing new proposals from mediators aimed at reviving a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Taher al-Nunu, a Hamas spokesperson, said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's proposal remains under discussion, alongside new initiatives from mediators. He did not provide further details.

Al-Nunu reiterated Hamas' commitment to previously signed agreements, claiming Israel was responsible for blocking progress.

Meanwhile, Hamas issued a statement rejecting comments by U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who defended Israel's right to self-defense.

"The statement blatantly distorts reality. Israel does not have the right to defend its occupation; rather, it is the aggressor," Hamas said.

Waltz had earlier said, "The ceasefire could have been extended if Hamas had released all remaining hostages," adding that "Israel has every right to defend its people against Hamas terrorists."

Hamas accused Waltz of misrepresenting facts, saying it had offered clear proposals for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had rejected and undermined the efforts for political reasons.

Hamas called on U.S. officials to stop blaming the group for disrupting agreements and instead hold Netanyahu responsible for prolonging the suffering of prisoners and their families.

Separately, Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades, said on Friday it had fired a rocket at the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, calling it retaliation for Israeli attacks on civilians.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its air force intercepted two rockets launched from Gaza toward Ashkelon.

Israel resumed strikes in Gaza on Tuesday after a ceasefire with Hamas that began on Jan. 19 unraveled. Israeli forces subsequently launched ground operations across southern, northern, and central Gaza.

Gaza's Civil Defense said at least 11 people were killed in Friday's airstrikes, with the overall death toll from the renewed strikes potentially exceeding 600, in addition to more than 1,000 wounded. Enditem

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