U.S. ceasefire plan accepted by Israel, rejected by Hamas
The United States' proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has been accepted by Israel, "does not meet our people's demands," said Bassem Naim, one of the leaders of Hamas, on Thursday evening.
What do you need to know?
- Ceasefire proposal: The United States proposed a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has been accepted by Israel.
- Hamas reaction: Bassem Naim from Hamas stated that the proposal does not meet the Palestinians' demands because it does not end the occupation or suffering.
- Next steps: Hamas is analyzing the proposal "with a sense of responsibility and patriotism, contemplating a response."
Why does Hamas reject the ceasefire proposal?
"The response of the occupier (Israel-PAP) essentially means the continuation of occupation, killings, and hunger, even during the temporary ceasefire, and it does not fulfil any of our people's demands, including ending the war and suffering," said Naim.
However, he added that "the leadership of the movement is studying, with a great sense of responsibility and patriotism, how to respond to this proposal."
What are the conditions of the ceasefire?
On Thursday in Washington, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced that President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff presented Hamas with a ceasefire proposal, which Israel has approved and supported. "Israel signed this proposal before it was sent to Hamas, and discussions are ongoing," she added.
Witkoff's plan envisions a ceasefire lasting approximately two months in exchange for Hamas releasing 10 live hostages and handing over the bodies of 18 deceased captives. Israel would also release 125 Palestinians serving life sentences, as well as 1,111 individuals detained in the Gaza Strip after the war broke out, and hand over the bodies of 180 killed Palestinians.
What next with the negotiations?
During the ceasefire, negotiations on the permanent end to the war are expected to take place, but the agreement would guarantee Israel the right to resume military actions if the talks fail.
Israeli media reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he is ready for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, based on the latest American proposal.
