Reaction to Hamas saying it accepted Gaza ceasefire proposal

May 6 (Reuters) - The Islamist Hamas militant group said on Monday it had accepted a proposal by mediators from Egypt and Qatar for a ceasefire in Gaza, while Israel played down that likelihood and still plans to proceed with a 90-day plan to invade Rafah.

Here are some reactions:

"We hope that Israel will commit to stopping the aggression and completely withdrawing from the Gaza Strip."

"The war cabinet unanimously decided that Israel continue the operation in Rafah to exert military pressure on Hamas in order to advance the release of our hostages and the other goals of the war."

"We examine every answer and response in the most serious manner and are exhausting every possibility regarding negotiations and returning the hostages.

"In parallel, we are still operating in the Gaza Strip and will continue to do so."

"We've asked civilians to move out of harm's way. We've been extremely specific about the areas which we'll be targeting."

"I can confirm that Hamas has issued a response. We are reviewing that response now and discussing it with our partners in the region."

A deal is "absolutely achievable."

"We want to get these hostages out, we want to get a ceasefire in place for six weeks, we want to increase humanitarian assistance." Reaching an agreement would be the "absolute best outcome."

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the indications that a large-scale military operation in Rafah may be imminent. ... The Secretary-General reminds the parties that the protection of civilians is paramount in international humanitarian law."