Hamas Rejects US Proposal for Gaza Ceasefire
Hamas claims US-backed ceasefire plan does not meet its demands amid ongoing discussions.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas has publicly rejected a proposed ceasefire plan, reportedly supported by Israel and presented by US officials.
A senior Hamas official articulated the group's discontent with the proposal during a conversation with media outlets on Thursday evening.
On the same day, the White House confirmed that Israel had agreed to the American plan for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Caroline Levitt, a spokesperson for the US presidency, stated in a press briefing that special envoy Steve Wietcov and President Donald Trump had delivered the ceasefire proposal to Hamas after it was officially accepted by Israel.
Levitt noted that discussions with Hamas would continue.
The proposed agreement, shared with Israel, calls for an initial 60-day ceasefire.
During this period, Israel is expected to release nine living Palestinian prisoners and to return the remains of 18 deceased individuals in two phases over a week.
The plan stipulates that Israel will evacuate territories it recently occupied in the northern sector of Netzarim on the first day of the ceasefire, with a second withdrawal planned for territories in the southern region seven days later.
It is indicated that Israel may resume military actions if a final agreement is not reached.
Moreover, the proposal includes provisions for humanitarian aid distribution, with the involvement of the United Nations.
The ongoing discussions come amid escalating tensions in the region, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics and the significant challenges in achieving a lasting peace.
A senior Hamas official articulated the group's discontent with the proposal during a conversation with media outlets on Thursday evening.
On the same day, the White House confirmed that Israel had agreed to the American plan for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Caroline Levitt, a spokesperson for the US presidency, stated in a press briefing that special envoy Steve Wietcov and President Donald Trump had delivered the ceasefire proposal to Hamas after it was officially accepted by Israel.
Levitt noted that discussions with Hamas would continue.
The proposed agreement, shared with Israel, calls for an initial 60-day ceasefire.
During this period, Israel is expected to release nine living Palestinian prisoners and to return the remains of 18 deceased individuals in two phases over a week.
The plan stipulates that Israel will evacuate territories it recently occupied in the northern sector of Netzarim on the first day of the ceasefire, with a second withdrawal planned for territories in the southern region seven days later.
It is indicated that Israel may resume military actions if a final agreement is not reached.
Moreover, the proposal includes provisions for humanitarian aid distribution, with the involvement of the United Nations.
The ongoing discussions come amid escalating tensions in the region, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics and the significant challenges in achieving a lasting peace.
