Hamas Dismisses Israeli Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict

The decision to reject Israel's ceasefire proposal highlights ongoing hostilities and dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, prompting calls for urgent diplomatic action.

Hamas has officially turned down an Israeli proposal for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, which included demands for the disarmament of the militant group. According to a senior Palestinian official who is well-acquainted with the discussions, the proposal lacked assurances regarding an end to the ongoing conflict or the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region—demands that Hamas has made a priority. This rejection follows heightened military actions in Gaza, where recent airstrikes resulted in the death of a security guard and injuries to nine others at a field hospital in Khan Younis, according to hospital sources.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not provide an immediate comment on the airstrike, which further exacerbates the already critical humanitarian situation in Gaza. A UN agency has warned that the humanitarian crisis in the region is at its worst since the beginning of the hostilities 18 months ago. It has been six weeks since Israel allowed any humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza—a significant pause that UN agencies argue potentially violates international humanitarian laws. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the blockade of supplies aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and extending a ceasefire that initially expired on March 1st.

The United Nations’ humanitarian affairs office has reported increasing attacks leading to civilian casualties and the destruction of critical infrastructure necessary for survival. Conditions within Gaza's medical facilities have been described as "beyond description" following Israeli bombings, further complicating the healthcare system's ability to function effectively.

Reports indicate that Israel has submitted its latest ceasefire proposal to regional mediators as discussions unfolded; however, hopes for resolution remain low. A key negotiator from Hamas, Khalil al-Hayya, has met with Egyptian intelligence officials to review the situation. The Palestinian official noted that the recent Israeli proposal called for Hamas to disarm without any reciprocal Israeli commitment to cease hostilities, prompting Hamas to reject it completely.

Despite apparent pressures, Hamas insisted on the necessity of a total end to hostilities and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for a potential release of hostages. Egyptian officials are believed to be working on a modified proposal that Hamas is currently engaging with.

In a stark contrast, recent polls in Israel indicate that a majority of citizens support a new ceasefire and the release of hostages. As the conflict continues to escalate, veteran Israeli reservists have publicly condemned the war and criticized the military's handling of the situation, calling attention to the escalating frustrations among reservists over their continued service.

As violence resumes, Israeli attacks continue to target Gaza, with significant casualties reported. The prime minister remarked that future ceasefire negotiations would occur "under fire," indicating a grim outlook for immediate peace. The total death toll in Gaza has reportedly reached 51,000 since the conflict's commencement, driven initially by the unprecedented Hamas-led attacks on October 7, which catalyzed the ongoing war.