A recent ceasefire proposal for Gaza has sparked contrasting reactions from key parties, revealing the complexities and deep divisions in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. A Palestinian official close to Hamas claimed that the group accepted a U.S.-mediated offer involving a 70-day ceasefire and the release of hostages, while Israeli authorities have outright rejected the proposal, emphasizing that no responsible Israeli government would agree to such terms. The conflicting statements highlight the fragile and contentious nature of peace efforts amid escalating violence.
Hamas and the Ceasefire Proposal
According to the Palestinian official, Hamas agreed to a deal presented through mediators by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. The proposal reportedly included the release of 10 Israeli hostages in two groups in exchange for a 70-day ceasefire and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Additionally, it called for Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences. This proposal, if accepted, would mark a significant temporary pause in hostilities and offer relief to civilians caught in the conflict.
However, Witkoff himself distanced from the claim, telling Reuters that what he had seen was “completely unacceptable” and denied that Hamas had formally accepted his version of the offer. The envoy clarified that the proposal circulating was not the same as what he had discussed, underscoring the complexity and miscommunication surrounding negotiations.
Israel’s Firm Rejection
Israeli officials quickly dismissed the ceasefire plan, stating that no responsible government could accept such terms. The deal, as described by the Palestinian source, did not align with Israel’s position. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later addressed the public via social media, expressing hope to share positive developments soon regarding Israel’s fight against Hamas and the release of hostages. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s stance that any ceasefire would be temporary and contingent on the full release of hostages, emphasizing the country’s commitment to defeating Hamas.
The background to this conflict intensified sharply after Israel ended a ceasefire agreement in January, responding to renewed rocket attacks and cross-border incursions by Hamas and allied factions. The ongoing war has resulted in heavy casualties: Israel reports over 1,200 deaths from the initial attacks and the abduction of 251 hostages, while Gaza’s health authorities report nearly 54,000 Palestinian deaths amid severe humanitarian crises.
