Hamas has officially turned down Israel’s latest ceasefire offer, demanding instead comprehensive negotiations for a permanent end to hostilities that would secure the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The rejection comes amid intensified Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed at least 37 displaced civilians in Gaza’s al-Mawasi tent camp on Wednesday.
In a video statement, Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya dismissed Israel’s proposed 45-day truce for 10 hostages as insufficient, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing “partial deals” to further political aims rather than seeking resolution. The militant group maintains it will only engage in talks for a complete hostage-prisoner swap coupled with a permanent ceasefire – terms Israel has repeatedly rejected as it continues its military objective to dismantle Hamas entirely.
The diplomatic impasse unfolds against a backdrop of mounting humanitarian catastrophe. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 51,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, while Israel confirms 59 hostages remain captive with only 24 believed alive. Recent strikes on the designated “safe zone” of al-Mawasi – where Israel had previously directed civilians to evacuate – left tents engulfed in flames, with survivors describing horrific scenes of burned bodies, including children.
Humanitarian organizations warn of total system collapse as Israel’s blockade prevents aid entry, contradicting military claims of sufficient supplies. The standoff has exposed deepening political fractures within Israel’s government, with far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urging intensified military action against Hamas.
With both sides entrenched in maximalist positions – Hamas demanding war termination and Israel insisting on the group’s eradication – prospects for breakthrough appear dim as civilian casualties mount and regional tensions escalate. The international community faces mounting pressure to broker a solution before further loss of life in the six-month conflict.
