Hamas Rejects Latest US-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Plan, Citing Failure to Meet Core

A senior Hamas official has confirmed that the Palestinian armed group will reject the latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal put forth by the United States, a plan that has reportedly garnered the backing of Israel. This rejection casts a fresh shadow of doubt over ongoing international efforts to bring an end to the protracted and devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the enduring chasm between the fundamental demands of the warring parties.
The White House had, on Thursday, confirmed that Israel had "signed off" on the proposal, which was conveyed to Hamas through US envoy Steve Witkoff. Optimism, albeit cautious, had been expressed by Washington, with hopes that these ongoing discussions would ultimately lead to a ceasefire and the return of all hostages. However, the subsequent pronouncements from a high-ranking Hamas figure have significantly dampened these prospects, revealing a deep dissatisfaction with the terms presented.
According to details that have emerged from Israeli media and other sources, the US proposal outlines a phased approach to de-escalation. The initial phase would involve Hamas releasing 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased hostages. In return, a 60-day ceasefire would be implemented, alongside the release of an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails. Humanitarian aid, a critical and increasingly desperate need within Gaza, would also be permitted to flow into the enclave as soon as Hamas formally agrees to the terms. Subsequent phases of the plan would reportedly address the release of the remaining hostages once a permanent ceasefire is established.
However, the Hamas official, speaking to the BBC, articulated the group's profound dissatisfaction with this framework. The core of their rejection hinges on the assertion that the proposal fails to adequately address their fundamental demands. Primarily, Hamas seeks an unequivocal and permanent end to the war, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid. The current US proposal, according to Hamas, does not offer sufficient guarantees that the temporary truce would transition into a lasting ceasefire, nor does it explicitly restore the humanitarian protocol that had previously allowed hundreds of trucks of aid into Gaza daily during an earlier, short-lived ceasefire.
Furthermore, the Hamas official indicated that the proposed deal contradicted previous discussions and understandings reached between the group's negotiators and US Special Envoy Witkoff. This suggests a perceived disconnect between what was negotiated in earlier back-channel talks, potentially in Doha, and the final proposition presented. The implication is that the current plan leans too heavily towards Israel's terms, failing to incorporate the compromises and concessions that Hamas believes are necessary for a sustainable resolution. Hamas has consistently maintained that the release of all captives, which they view as their primary bargaining chip, is contingent upon a complete cessation of hostilities and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. They have even offered to cede governance to a politically independent committee of Palestinians to oversee reconstruction efforts, signaling a willingness to discuss the future administration of Gaza under certain conditions.
The disparity in demands has been a persistent stumbling block in all ceasefire negotiations, which have been brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt for well over a year. Israel, for its part, has steadfastly insisted on the complete disarmament and dismantling of Hamas as a military and governing force in Gaza, alongside the return of all 58 hostages believed to still be held captive, before it would consider a definitive end to the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly conveyed to the families of hostages that he accepted Witkoff's plan, indicating Israel's conditional willingness to move forward. However, the Israeli government has not yet issued an official public comment on the latest proposal, maintaining a degree of strategic silence while diplomatic efforts continue.
The rejection by Hamas has drawn immediate reactions, though formal international responses are still developing. In Israel, the immediate aftermath has seen strong statements from hardline elements within the government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a vocal proponent of forceful action, publicly urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to employ "full force" in Gaza, asserting that Hamas's rejection of the deal leaves "no more excuses." Ben-Gvir's comments reflect a sentiment among some Israeli officials that prolonged negotiations are unproductive and that military pressure is the only path to achieving Israel's objectives.
The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have repeatedly highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with reports of widespread hunger and forced displacement. The UN's humanitarian chief has underscored that Gaza has been subjected to forced starvation, emphasizing the global responsibility to ensure greater aid access. The ongoing diplomatic impasse, exemplified by Hamas's rejection of this latest plan, exacerbates this crisis, leaving the civilian population in an increasingly precarious position.
As the US and other mediators continue to push for a breakthrough, the deep-seated mistrust and conflicting objectives of Hamas and Israel remain the primary obstacles. Hamas's assertion that the current proposal equates to a "continuation of killing and famine" underscores their belief that it does not fundamentally alter the dynamics of the conflict in a way that benefits the Palestinian people or guarantees their long-term security. The coming days will likely see further diplomatic maneuvers and intensified pressure from international actors to bridge this persistent divide, but the path to a lasting peace in Gaza remains fraught with immense challenges
Source@BBC