Hamas rejects latest Israeli ceasefire proposal: Reports

Hamas has officially rejected Israel’s most recent ceasefire proposal, stating that it will not agree to any partial deal and instead is ready to immediately negotiate a full exchange — all remaining hostages in return for a complete end to the war and the release of Palestinian prisoners, as per BBC reports.

Senior Hamas official and chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya asserted that the group would not accept what he called partial arrangements designed to advance Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s domestic political objectives. they will not accept partial deals that serve Netanyahu’s political agenda.

The current figures as per the reports, indicate 59 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with 24 believed to be alive. Israel’s latest proposal reportedly included a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 10 hostages.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded to the rejection by urging a more aggressive military approach, saying it was time to open the gates of hell on Hamas.

Despite previous statements from Hamas expressing willingness to consider a full truce, talks have stalled, with no concrete progress toward a comprehensive agreement.

Israel maintains its goal of fully dismantling and disarming Hamas. In the meantime, Gaza continues to endure heavy bombardment, with no humanitarian aid currently entering the territory. 

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defence authority, the most recent wave of Israeli air strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people, most of them displaced civilians residing in makeshift tent camps.

The ongoing war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory, has resulted in devastating losses on both sides. Israeli figures report approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken during the initial assault. Since then, Israel’s military response has reportedly killed over 51,000 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry operated by Hamas.