Hamas Military Chief Rejects US Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict

Tue Oct 14 2025 11:32:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Hamas's military leader, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, has expressed strong opposition to the US ceasefire plan aimed at ending the hostilities in Gaza, asserting that it would dismantle the group, which raises questions about ongoing tensions.

The military leader of Hamas in Gaza has voiced his objections to a new ceasefire plan proposed by the US, which he believes is intended to dismantle the group. While some political leaders within Hamas might consider accepting the plan with modifications, the lack of trust regarding Israel's intentions poses significant hurdles. Meanwhile, there continue to be significant military actions and humanitarian crises in the region.

The BBC understands that mediators have made contact with the head of Hamas's military wing in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who indicated he does not agree to the new US ceasefire plan. Al-Haddad believes the plan is designed to finish Hamas, whether the group accepts it or not, and is determined to continue fighting.

US President Donald Trump's 20-point framework to end the conflict, which has already been accepted by Israel, includes demands that Hamas disarm and relinquish future governance of Gaza. In contrast, some of Hamas's political leadership in Qatar are reportedly more receptive to the proposal but lack leverage as they do not control the hostages held by the group.

Currently, there are believed to be 48 hostages, with only 20 thought to be alive. The plan's demand requires Hamas to release all hostages within 72 hours of agreeing to the ceasefire, which poses a significant dilemma as it could remove their bargaining power. Additionally, there are concerns over trust regarding Israeli compliance with ceasefire terms following past actions against Hamas leadership.

Further complicating the situation, some Hamas leaders oppose the idea of deploying a 'temporary International Stabilisation Force' labeled by the US and Arab states, which they fear would result in a new occupation. The proposed Israeli troop withdrawal map shared in conjunction with the plan mentions a 'security buffer zone,' raising further doubts about potential Israeli control or involvement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly reaffirmed military operations in Gaza and stated his unwillingness to permit a Palestinian state, which directly contradicts US framework stipulations aimed at establishing a credible path to Palestinian autonomy. Amid ongoing violence stemming from counterattacks since the Hamas-led offensive on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, with an estimated 66,225 casualties reported in Gaza.