Oil prices rose on Thursday, February 8, after Israel rejected a proposal from Hamas for a ceasefire, while talks continue to try to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions in the Middle East in general, which have cast a shadow on the market since October.

Indications of strong demand for fuel in the United States also supported the market's upward trend this week.

Brent crude futures rose 22 cents, or 0.43%, to $79.55 per barrel.