Hamas Declines Israel's Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict

A senior Palestinian official reveals that Hamas has turned down an Israeli ceasefire proposal that demanded the armed group disarm in exchange for releasing hostages, amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Hamas has officially rejected an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, conveying through a senior Palestinian official that the conditions, which included disarmament of the group, were unacceptable. The proposal lacked commitments for ending hostilities or withdrawing Israeli troops, both essential demands from Hamas. This rejection arrives at a time when Israel's military offensive in Gaza continues unabated. A recent airstrike tragically killed a security guard and injured nine others at a field hospital in Khan Younis, underscoring the ongoing lethal impact of the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government maintains its operations, currently in their 18th month, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasizing their attacks on Hamas targets. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has been labeled as the most dire it has been since the onset of this conflict, according to a United Nations agency.

Israel’s blockade of supplies has now surpassed six weeks, a measure intended to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and agreeing to an extension of the lapsed ceasefire. Both UN and humanitarian organizations challenge claims made by Israeli authorities regarding adequate food supplies for the population. An alarming number of Palestinians—around 400,000—have been displaced due to renewed military engagements.

The latest ceasefire negotiation efforts fell short, with Hamas stating that any agreement should focus on a complete cessation of hostilities and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The ongoing bombing campaign led by Israel has resulted in over 1,630 deaths since the resumption of airstrikes, with total casualties from the conflict rising to over 51,000.

Recent communications suggest Egypt has introduced a revised proposal to Hamas, which they are considering amidst apprehension about whether effective dialogue can lead to a ceasefire breakthrough. Public sentiment in Israel appears to favor a renewed ceasefire and focus on hostage recovery, although Netanyahu is faced with political pressure from hardline factions within his coalition.

As the conflict continues, medical facilities in Gaza are collapsing under immense strain, raising urgent concerns over humanitarian law violations in the occupied territory. The restoration of essential medical services is hindered by active combat, leaving hundreds of thousands vulnerable amidst rising casualties and deteriorating conditions across the region.