Hamas has formally rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, offering instead to negotiate a comprehensive deal involving the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the war and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
In a video statement, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using partial deals to advance a political agenda. “We will not accept partial deals that serve Netanyahu’s political agenda,” said al-Hayya. “We are ready to immediately negotiate a deal to swap all hostages for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners.”
Israel’s latest offer involved a 45-day ceasefire and the release of 10 hostages. According to Israeli authorities, 59 hostages remain in captivity, with 24 confirmed alive.
The rejection comes amid renewed violence in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 37 people, most of them displaced civilians in al-Mawasi, a designated “safe zone.” Witnesses said tents were engulfed in flames following a powerful explosion. The Israeli military acknowledged ongoing operations, saying over 100 Hamas-linked targets were hit, but offered no immediate comment on the al-Mawasi incident.
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded to Hamas’s stance, saying it was time “to open the gates of hell” on the group.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Aid groups warn the relief system is nearing total collapse, as Israel maintains a blockade implemented in March to pressure Hamas.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has since killed over 51,000 in Gaza.
