Hamas has condemned the recent remarks made by the United States President Joe Biden labeling it as a “setback” to the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

Biden said that a ceasefire in Gaza would be possible if Hamas “released its hostages”.

"We condemn this position by the US president, we consider it a setback from the outcomes of the latest round of negotiations, which led to the movement's agreement to the proposal put forward by mediators," Hamas said in a statement.

“Biden's position allows more time for the terrorist occupation army to complete its operations of destruction, killing, and annihilation in the Gaza Strip,” Hamas declared in a statement.

It added that “Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had "rushed to overturn" the talks by launching an offensive in Rafah.