Hamas has responded to a new Gaza ceasefire proposal by offering to release 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. However, the group also demanded significant changes to the US-backed plan, including a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Proposal Met With Rejection and Frustration
The US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, dismissed Hamas’s counterproposal as “totally unacceptable,” urging the group to accept the original terms to move forward with proximity talks.
Demands and Dilemmas
Hamas insists on a permanent truce, complete Israeli withdrawal, and continuous humanitarian aid. These demands are not included in the current US proposal, which reportedly guarantees only a temporary 60-day pause in fighting. Hamas’s latest stance reflects a deep internal struggle: it cannot accept a deal that doesn’t meet its key goals, nor can it reject it outright without risking a harsher Israeli offensive.
Read: Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Deal ‘Very Close’
Details of the US Proposal
Though full details remain confidential, the US plan reportedly includes:
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A 60-day ceasefire
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Release of 28 hostages (alive and dead) in the first week
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Release of 30 more hostages upon a permanent ceasefire
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Return of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and 180 bodies
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Uninterrupted humanitarian aid through the UN and partners
Washington claims the proposal already has Israel’s approval. However, Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have made clear they will not commit to ending the war without Hamas’s total surrender.
Escalating Violence and Civilian Toll
Amid stalled diplomacy, the violence on the ground continues. The Gaza health ministry reported 60 deaths and 284 injuries in the past 24 hours from Israeli strikes. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, more than 54,000 people have died in Gaza, with over 4,000 deaths occurring since Israel resumed its offensive in mid-March.
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