Hamas Offers Ceasefire Deal, Israel Rejects

(Scypre.com) – In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly dismissed the ceasefire conditions proposed by Hamas, asserting that a conclusive triumph in Gaza could be achieved within a few months. This statement came in the wake of Hamas presenting a set of demands as a counter to a ceasefire suggestion backed by Israel. Netanyahu voiced skepticism about the progress of negotiations with Hamas, labeling their demands as “unrealistic,” and continued to push for an outright victory as the only viable resolution.

During a press briefing, Netanyahu emphasized, “There is no other solution but a complete and final victory,” underscoring the existential threat he believes Hamas poses to Israel. He argued that allowing Hamas to maintain a presence in Gaza would inevitably lead to future conflicts.

The rejection by Netanyahu starkly contrasts the cautious optimism that had been building around the ceasefire talks, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. These talks aimed to broker a deal that would end the hostilities, but Netanyahu’s recent comments underscore a significant rift in the approach to peace.

Hamas’s counterproposal, which emerged as a response to the initial ceasefire offer, outlined a phased approach to ending the conflict. According to a draft obtained by Reuters, the plan called for an initial 45-day pause in fighting, during which hostages and prisoners would be exchanged and Israeli forces would begin withdrawing from populated areas in Gaza. The plan also envisaged the eventual complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the exchange of remains and bodies, alongside an increase in aid deliveries to Gaza.

This proposal, however, has been met with varied reactions. While Qatar has praised the response as “positive,” indicating a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, Israeli officials have categorically rejected it, viewing any terms set by Hamas as unacceptable. This has put further strain on the already fragile negotiation process, despite ongoing efforts by international mediators.

The conflict, which has had devastating human costs, saw over 1,300 people killed in Hamas attacks and more than 27,700 Palestinians killed in the subsequent Israeli military response. The humanitarian situation has dramatically worsened, with Netanyahu’s confirmation of Israeli forces preparing to operate in Rafah, raising concerns of exacerbating what the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called a “humanitarian nightmare.”

The international community, including the United States, remains engaged in seeking a resolution. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has acknowledged the challenges in Hamas’s counter-proposal but remains committed to finding a path forward. The situation highlights not only the immediate need for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief but also the broader political challenges of addressing the future governance of Gaza and the aspirations for a Palestinian state, a vision that diverges significantly between Israel and its international partners.