Hamas rejects Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, hostage return

Hamas Rejects Israel’s Ceasefire Proposal, Hostage Release Remains Uncertain

Hamas has reportedly rejected Israel’s latest attempt to secure a ceasefire and the return of nearly a dozen hostages who have been held in the Gaza Strip for 556 days. The terrorist organization has not issued a formal response regarding its rejection of Israel’s ceasefire proposal, but according to remarks by Hamas leader Abu Zuhri to reporters on Tuesday, the disarmament of the resistance’s weapons is non-negotiable.

Sources have indicated that the proposed deal included a 45-day ceasefire and the return of humanitarian aid, which has been blocked since March 2, in exchange for the release of 11 hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. However, Hamas has made it clear that handing over their weapons is a red line that they will not cross.

The Israeli government believes that 24 of the 59 hostages held in the Gaza Strip are still alive, including American Israeli Edan Alexander, who had a proof of life video released by Hamas on the eve of Passover. However, Hamas has claimed that they lost contact with the soldiers guarding Alexander and accused Israeli forces of targeting his location, though no evidence of any strike has been provided.

Despite the failure of the ceasefire proposal, mediators have not been surprised by the outcome and have remained tight-lipped regarding the situation. The proposal did not propose any withdrawal terms and called for Hamas to disarm, which may have contributed to its lack of traction.

Israel resumed military operations in Gaza last month after the first ceasefire ended without securing the release of the remaining hostages. Over the weekend, Israel captured more territory in the Gaza Strip, including the southern portion from the Philadelphia Corridor to the Morag axis, cutting off parts of the territory from southern Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the IDF has established a buffer zone in the captured territory to pressure Hamas to return to negotiations for the release of the abductees. The goal is to isolate Hamas and force them to comply with the demands for the hostages’ release.

As the ceasefire negotiations remain stalled and tensions continue to escalate in Gaza, the fate of the hostages held by Hamas remains uncertain. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in hopes of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.