Hamas Rejects US-backed Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict

Despite backing from Israel, Hamas deems the plan inadequate in addressing core issues, including an end to the ongoing war.

A senior Hamas official has declared the group's firm opposition to a new ceasefire proposal put forth by the US, despite Israel's reported acceptance of the plan. The White House confirmed that US envoy Steve Witkoff's ceasefire initiative had received the green light from Israel and was awaiting a response from Hamas.

Israeli media sources indicated that the proposal entails Hamas surrendering 10 living hostages alongside the remains of 18 deceased individuals in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. However, a Hamas representative expressed dissatisfaction with the terms, insisting they fall short of pivotal requirements, particularly the cessation of hostilities.

Details revealed by the Israeli government remain scarce; however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have informed families of hostages of his agreement with Witkoff’s plan. Following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, Israel has reinstated its military campaign against Hamas, aiming to compel the release of 58 hostages still believed to be in the militant group's custody, including at least 20 who are understood to be alive.

On May 19, Israel intensified its military operations, with Netanyahu affirming that troops would aim to control all regions within Gaza, while also pledging to ease the blockade to allow essential food aid into the territory.

Tragically, nearly 4,000 casualties have been reported in Gaza over the last 10 weeks, according to data released by the Hamas-run health ministry. Concurrently, the UN indicates that around 600,000 individuals have been displaced as a result of Israeli military actions and evacuation mandates, with predictions that about 500,000 people may face dire hunger in the upcoming months.

During a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed inquiries surrounding the new ceasefire talks, clarifying that while a proposal was indeed submitted by the US envoy and approved by Israel, further negotiations were ongoing. The Hamas official, however, reiterated that the current offer did not align with prior discussions and lacked assurances for a lasting ceasefire or the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries.

In comments to hostages' families, Netanyahu reportedly conveyed skepticism regarding the likelihood of Hamas releasing further hostages, emphasizing Israel's intention to maintain a military presence until all captives are returned. His previous statements have reinforced a hard stance, asserting that the conflict will not conclude until all hostages are freed, Hamas is disarmed, and its leaders are exiled.

The military conflict ignited following Hamas's cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which claimed about 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages taken. Previous temporary ceasefires allowed Israel to secure the release of 197 hostages, 148 of whom have safely returned, yet the human toll continues to escalate with reports of at least 54,249 fatalities in Gaza since the commencement of hostilities.

On Thursday alone, Israeli airstrikes were reported to have killed at least 54 individuals across Gaza, with the Hamas-run Civil Defense agency documenting 23 deaths from an airstrike in central Bureij. The Israeli military claimed to have targeted numerous terrorist facilities in a day of intensified operations.