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Hamas Rejects Latest Israel Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict
Gaza – Hamas has officially declined Israel’s most recent proposal for a ceasefire, asserting its readiness to immediately engage in negotiations for an agreement that would secure the release of all remaining hostages. In exchange, Hamas demands a complete cessation of hostilities and the liberation of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This rejection occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Hamas Spokesperson Dismisses Partial Agreements
Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ chief negotiator, stated in a video address, “We will not consent to limited agreements that further the political objectives of [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu.” This declaration underscores Hamas’s stance against incremental deals, insisting on a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
Stalemate in Hostage Negotiations
Currently, 59 hostages remain in captivity, with 24 believed to be alive. Israel’s latest proposition entailed a 45-day truce in exchange for the release of 10 hostages. This offer has been deemed insufficient by Hamas, highlighting the deep chasm between the two sides’ negotiating positions.
Israeli Minister Calls for Escalation
Adding to the tensions, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a figure from the far-right wing of Israeli politics, proclaimed that it was time “to unleash the gates of hell” upon Hamas. This inflammatory rhetoric signals a potential hardening of Israel’s military approach.
Previous Indications of Rejection from Hamas
Prior to the formal rejection, Hamas officials had already signaled to the BBC earlier in the week their intent to turn down the proposed plan. This advance notice suggests a consistent and premeditated strategy in their negotiation stance.
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Hamas Accuses Netanyahu of Prolonging War
Hayya further elaborated on Hamas’s position, stating, “Netanyahu and his administration are using partial agreements as a guise for their political agenda. This agenda is predicated on perpetuating the war of extermination and starvation, even if it means sacrificing all his prisoners [hostages].” This accusation reflects Hamas’s deep distrust of Israel’s intentions in the negotiation process.
Call for Comprehensive Hostage Swap and End to Hostilities
He reiterated Hamas’s readiness to “immediately negotiate a comprehensive agreement to exchange all hostages for a mutually agreed-upon number of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel” and to bring an end to the ongoing war. This outlines Hamas’s core demands for a resolution.
Divergence on Long-Term Agreement
While Hamas has expressed openness to a comprehensive accord to terminate the war, the two factions remain significantly distant from any concord that could achieve this outcome. The fundamental disagreements over objectives and conditions continue to impede progress.
Israel’s Stated Goal: Hamas’s Destruction
Israel’s officially declared objective remains the complete disarmament and dismantling of Hamas. Concurrently, reports indicate that numerous Gazan civilians are perishing daily in aerial bombardments, while humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip remains severely restricted.
Recent Strikes Result in Civilian Casualties
The most recent series of Israeli aerial attacks reportedly resulted in at least 37 fatalities, predominantly displaced civilians residing in a tent encampment, according to Gaza’s Hamas-operated civil defense agency. These casualties underscore the devastating impact of the ongoing military operations on the civilian population.
Eyewitness Accounts from Al-Mawasi
Witnesses situated in al-Mawasi reported that numerous Palestinians, including children, perished when tents caught fire following a “powerful” explosion. This testimony highlights the chaotic and perilous conditions faced by civilians in the conflict zone.
Civilian Testimony of Devastation
“I rushed outside and witnessed the tent adjacent to mine ablaze,” recounted a resident to the BBC’s Gaza Lifeline program, offering a personal account of the tragic event.
Israeli Military Response to Strike Reports
The Israeli military refrained from immediate commentary but indicated that they were investigating reports concerning the aforementioned strikes. This suggests an internal review process following the civilian casualty reports.
Al-Mawasi as a Designated Evacuation Zone
Israel had previously directed Palestinians to evacuate from other areas of Gaza to al-Mawasi, designating it as a safe zone. The recent incidents cast doubt on the safety and security of these designated areas.
Military Claims of Targeting “Terror Infrastructure”
The Israeli military stated that operations over the preceding two days had “struck over 100 terror targets” including “terrorist cells, military structures, and infrastructure sites.” This justification frames the attacks as necessary counter-terrorism measures.
Aid Blockade to Pressure Hostage Release
Israel maintains that there is no scarcity of aid and that the blockade, initiated on March 1st, is sustained to exert pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. This policy links humanitarian access to hostage negotiations.
Aid Organizations Warn of “Total Collapse”
However, the heads of 12 prominent aid organizations issued a warning that the humanitarian aid system in Gaza is “facing total collapse.” This stark assessment underscores the severity of the humanitarian crisis and contradicts Israel’s claims of adequate aid provision.
Background to the Conflict
The ongoing war commenced on October 7, 2023, when Hamas initiated a cross-border assault on Israeli communities, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. This attack served as the catalyst for the current large-scale conflict.
Casualty Figures
Israel’s military campaign against Hamas has resulted in at least 51,065 deaths, as reported by the territory’s Hamas-controlled health ministry. These casualty figures highlight the devastating human cost of the Israel-Hamas conflict.