Hamas has responded to a U.S. ceasefire proposal, stating it is ready to release 10 live Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 others. In return, they want a number of Palestinian prisoners freed. However, they also demand changes to the proposed plan, including a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, which are not included in the current agreement.
The proposal was initially suggested by Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for the U.S. Under his statement, he described Hamas’s response as “totally unacceptable,” arguing it does not align with potential peace talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that while Israel is open to updates regarding hostages, Hamas’s refusal to cooperate poses ongoing challenges.
Hamas faces a tough situation. With 2.2 million people in dire conditions in Gaza, rejecting the U.S. plan could escalate the crisis. Previously, they turned down offers deemed unsatisfactory, like one earlier this year that still sought only partial resolutions. Now they are caught between needing a deal and avoiding outright rejection, especially as Israeli forces prepare for intensified military actions.
The proposal reportedly includes:
- A 60-day pause in fighting.
- The release of 28 Israeli hostages in the first week.
- The release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners.
- Emergency humanitarian aid dispatched through U.N. channels.
Israeli officials appear unwilling to renegotiate the terms, emphasizing their right to return to combat should negotiations fail. Netanyahu insists that the war will not conclude until Hamas is disarmed and no longer in control. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has expressed that Hamas must either accept the deal for hostages or face severe consequences.
The humanitarian toll from the ongoing conflict grows. As of now, more than 60 people were reported killed and hundreds injured in Gaza from recent Israeli strikes. This comes after the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took over 250 hostages.
A striking statistic reveals that, since the resumption of hostilities in March, over 54,381 people have died in Gaza. The urgency for a resolution is evident, but political and military pressures leave little room for flexible negotiation.
In these tense negotiations, social media reactions reflect a mixture of hope and frustration, showing how deeply this conflict impacts people worldwide. Understanding the historical context of these negotiations gives insight into why reaching a solution is complex. Each party’s stance is intertwined with longstanding grievances and fears.
For those interested in the evolving dynamics of this conflict, a comprehensive overview of ceasefire proposals and their outcomes can be found here.
