Hamas has officially turned down Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, instead offering to begin immediate talks for a comprehensive agreement that would release all remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the war and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
In a video statement, Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ chief negotiator, said the group would not accept what he called “partial deals” that serve Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political interests. “We’re ready to negotiate right now for a full exchange of all hostages and prisoners, and to stop the war entirely,” he said.
Israel’s most recent offer included a 45-day pause in fighting in return for the release of 10 hostages. Currently, 59 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with 24 believed to be alive. Hamas claims the Israeli government is using limited ceasefire proposals as a tactic to prolong the war while appearing to pursue diplomacy.
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded with a hardline stance, saying it was time to “open the gates of hell” on Hamas.
The humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to mount. Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 37 more people, many of them displaced civilians in a tent camp in al-Mawasi, according to Gaza’s civil defense. Witnesses described powerful explosions that set tents on fire, killing children and families who had already fled other parts of the territory.
Israel maintains that its military operations are targeting Hamas infrastructure and denies that aid is being withheld. However, international aid agencies warn that the humanitarian system in Gaza is nearing collapse under the ongoing blockade and relentless bombing.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack inside Israel that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Since then, over 51,000 people in Gaza have reportedly been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
