Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest proposal for a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 10 hostages, with chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya asserting that partial deals serve Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political agenda.
Hamas instead offered to immediately negotiate a comprehensive agreement involving the release of all remaining hostages in return for an end to the war and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded by calling to intensify military action against Hamas.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue to cause mass casualties in Gaza, including a recent attack that killed at least 37 displaced civilians in al-Mawasi. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with aid agencies warning of systemic collapse. Despite Israel’s claims that aid is available, the blockade imposed since March remains in effect to pressure Hamas. The war, which began with Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023 attack, has so far resulted in over 51,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
