Gaza City, Palestine – Hamas, the militant group in control of Gaza, has rejected an Israeli ceasefire offer and is calling for a more comprehensive proposal to end the ongoing conflict. The Israeli proposal did not meet Hamas’ demands, as it included disarmament of Gaza, a measure Hamas refuses to accept. Instead, Hamas insists on a permanent end to the war as part of any negotiation.
Far-right Israeli lawmakers have responded to Hamas’ rejection by calling for a more aggressive approach in Gaza. They urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue “complete victory” and unleash further military action in the region. The Israeli ceasefire offer involved a 45-day truce and the release of some hostages as part of the negotiation process.
Hamas criticized the Israeli proposal for not addressing key issues, such as Hamas’s demand for an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The militant group argued that its weapons and resistance were essential due to the presence of the Israeli occupation.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the Israeli government’s commitment to continuing the bombardment of Gaza until Hamas surrenders and all objectives are met. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir echoed Smotrich’s stance, emphasizing the need for a total victory over Hamas.
The ongoing conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced and casualties continuing to rise. The United Nations has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the region, warning of a potential collapse of essential services and infrastructure. The blockade imposed by Israel has exacerbated the crisis, leading to shortages of critical supplies and an increase in mental health issues among the population.
The UN reiterated its call for urgent humanitarian access to Gaza and stressed the importance of meeting international legal obligations to ensure the well-being of the civilian population. With tensions escalating and no resolution in sight, the situation in Gaza remains dire as both sides continue to pursue their objectives in the conflict.