Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, saying it will not accept a deal that does not guarantee an end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The militant group’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, accused Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, of putting forward impossible conditions for a peace agreement.
Israel proposed releasing 10 hostages in return for a 45-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners, with further discussion on ending the war and restoring aid to Gaza. However, Hamas said this was “partial” and did not meet their demands for an end to the conflict and withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas is holding 58 hostages, with 24 still believed to be alive. The group’s conditions for releasing the hostages include the complete disarmament of Hamas, which they consider a red line. Al-Hayya said this was their “natural right” to possess weapons.
In response to the rejection, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz pledged to escalate the conflict if Hamas does not return the hostages. Meanwhile, attempts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US to restore the ceasefire have hit major stumbling blocks.
The White House has also criticized Hamas for rejecting the deal, saying it demonstrates their lack of interest in peace but perpetual violence. The situation remains tense, with fears for the lives of the remaining living hostages as Israel continues its airstrikes on Gaza.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/18/hamas-rejects-israel-latest-ceasefire-proposal-gaza