Hamas Response To Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Criticized As ‘Unacceptable’
The United States-backed proposal for a Gaza ceasefire has hit a snag, with Hamas’s response being labeled “totally unacceptable” by a key us Negotiator. Despite Hamas portraying their response as positive, their insistence on a permanent ceasefire remains a major point of contention with Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu has echoed the sentiment, accusing Hamas of “rejectionism,” further dimming hopes for a swift resolution.
Earlier, Israel issued a stark warning to Hamas: accept the deal and release the hostages, “or be annihilated.” This development follows months of intense negotiations aimed at pausing the conflict and securing the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Hamas’s Conditions For A Gaza Ceasefire
Hamas stated they have submitted their response to mediators, outlining conditions for an agreement. According to their statement, the deal includes the release of ten living Israeli prisoners held by them, along with the return of 18 bodies, in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
A Source within Hamas’s political bureau elaborated that their response to Us Envoy Steve Witkoff was positive, but emphasized the necessity of guaranteeing a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Mr. Witkoff criticized this response, stating it “only takes us backward” and urged Hamas to accept the original framework proposal.
“That is the only way we can close a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days in which half of the living hostages and half of those who are deceased will come home to their families and in which we can have… substantive negotiations in good-faith to try to reach a permanent ceasefire,” He added via X.
Accusations Of Bias In Negotiations
Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, asserted that the group responded “positively and responsibly” to Mr. Witkoff’s proposal. He further alleged a “complete bias” in the negotiating process, favoring Israel, and accused israel of disagreeing with previously agreed-upon provisions.
Hamas has consistently maintained that any agreement must include a clear path towards a permanent end to the war. israel, however, has resisted this condition, emphasizing the necessity of dismantling Hamas to prevent future attacks similar to the October 2023 incident that initiated the current conflict.
Netanyahu’s office released a statement echoing Mr. witkoff’s assessment, stating that Hamas’s response was “unacceptable and sets the process back.” The statement affirmed israel’s commitment to securing the hostages’ release and defeating Hamas.
Stalled Progress And Previous Proposals
Negotiations have struggled to produce a breakthrough since a previous ceasefire collapsed on March 18, leading to the resumption of Israeli military operations. Prior to this, former Us President Donald Trump indicated that the parties were “very close to an agreement.”
Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that Mr. Witkoff’s proposal outlined a 60-day truce, potentially extendable to 70 days. the initial week would involve the release of five living hostages and the return of nine bodies in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners,followed by a second exchange the subsequent week.
The Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza
Of the 251 hostages taken during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, 57 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military confirming that 34 of them are deceased. The Hostages And Missing Families Forum emphasized that Israeli society is “united around one consensus” to bring all remaining hostages home, “even at the cost of ending the war.”
International criticism of Israel has intensified due to the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The United Nations warned in May that the entire population faces the risk of famine, with a Un Humanitarian Agency Spokesman describing the territory as “the hungriest place on Earth.”
Aid delivery remains limited despite Israel’s partial lifting of a two-month blockade. Recent reports from the Un detail instances of looting targeting aid trucks and warehouses, further exacerbating the crisis.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Hostages Remaining In Gaza | 57 |
| Hostages Confirmed Dead | 34 |
| Total Deaths In Gaza Since March 18 | At Least 4,117 |
| Overall toll In Gaza War | 54,381 (Mostly civilians) |
| Deaths In Israel Due To Hamas Attack | 1,218 (Mostly Civilians) |
Growing International Pressure
The World Food Program has urged israel to facilitate “far greater volumes of food assistance into Gaza faster,” highlighting that desperation is “contributing to rising insecurity.” The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reports that since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, at least 4,117 peopel have been killed, bringing the war’s total death toll to 54,381, predominantly civilians. The initial Hamas attack on Israel resulted in 1,218 deaths, mostly civilians, according to official figures.
The Geopolitics Of Ceasefires: A Historical Perspective
Ceasefires in conflicts as complex as the israeli-Palestinian one rarely hold without addressing core issues. Historically, ceasefires are often fragile because they don’t tackle the underlying causes of the conflict, such as territorial disputes, political grievances, and economic inequalities. According to a study by the Council on Foreign Relations in 2023, about 60% of ceasefires collapse within a year if these root issues are not addressed.
Pro tip: Understanding the historical context and addressing core issues are essential for establishing lasting peace agreements.
The Role Of International Mediation
International mediators play a crucial role in facilitating negotiations and ensuring compliance with ceasefire agreements. However, their effectiveness depends on their perceived neutrality and ability to enforce the terms of the agreement. The Us has traditionally played a critically important role in mediating Israeli-Palestinian conflicts,but accusations of bias can undermine their credibility and effectiveness.
Did You Know? The United Nations plays a significant role in monitoring ceasefires and providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones. In 2024, the Un allocated $2.8 billion for humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Gaza Ceasefire
- What are Hamas’s key demands for a Gaza ceasefire agreement?
Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
- Why is the Gaza ceasefire proposal facing criticism?
The Us Envoy labeled hamas’s response “totally unacceptable” due to their preconditions.
- What is Israel’s position on a permanent Gaza ceasefire?
Israel resists a permanent ceasefire,prioritizing dismantling Hamas to prevent future attacks.
- What are the main components of the proposed Gaza ceasefire deal?
A 60-day truce,hostage release,and prisoner exchange are central to the deal.
- what is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza?
The Un warns of potential famine, describing Gaza as “the hungriest place on Earth.”
What are your thoughts on the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations? Do you beleive a lasting peace is possible? Share your comments below.
