Hamas Rejects Israeli Ceasefire Proposal, Offers Release of All Hostages for Complete War Termination
Hamas has formally rejected Israel's latest ceasefire proposal while countering with an offer to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a comprehensive agreement to end the 18-month Gaza war, complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory, and reconstruction of the devastated enclave—creating a critical juncture in the prolonged conflict that has claimed over 51,000 Palestinian lives.
Hamas Demands Full War End Over Temporary Truce
Hamas's Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya announced on Thursday that the militant group is ready for "comprehensive package negotiations" that would include the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction efforts, and the lifting of the siege on the territory Middle East Eye1.
"We will not be part of Netanyahu's policy of partial agreements," al-Hayya stated in a televised speech, maintaining that the group is seeking a permanent resolution rather than a temporary truce Reuters2.
The announcement came in direct response to Israel's latest proposal, which Hamas has deemed unacceptable. According to CNN, a senior Hamas official told the network: "The offer is rejected in full and in detail" CNN3.
Israel had proposed a 45-day truce that would see 10 living hostages released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The deal was meant to potentially begin indirect talks to end the war but included conditions Hamas found unacceptable, particularly demands for the group to disarm Reuters2.
Global Reactions to Ongoing Standoff
The rejection prompted a harsh response from the US, with National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt stating: "Hamas's comments demonstrate they are not interested in peace but perpetual violence. The terms made by the Trump Administration have not changed: release the hostages or face hell" Reuters2.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials have maintained their position that military operations will continue until all 59 remaining hostages are freed and Gaza is demilitarized Reuters2.
Far-right Israeli lawmakers have called for further escalation in Gaza following Hamas's rejection, intensifying concerns that the conflict will deepen rather than move toward resolution CNN4.
Egyptian and Qatari mediators have been working diligently to revive the January ceasefire agreement that halted fighting in Gaza for six weeks before breaking down last month, but there has been little sign of progress with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for the collapse Reuters2.
Expert Insights on Deadlocked Negotiations
Middle East analysts suggest that the fundamental gap between the two sides' positions remains a significant obstacle to any breakthrough. "Hamas is demanding a complete end to hostilities and full withdrawal, while Israel insists on continuing military operations until all hostages are freed and Hamas is neutralized as a threat," said Dr. Sarah Feuer, a Middle East expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, in comments to Al Jazeera.
Security analysts note that Hamas's insistence on maintaining its armed capability—which it describes as "a natural right of our people" to resist occupation—represents a red line that Israel is unlikely to cross Middle East Eye1.
"The positions have hardened on both sides, with Hamas viewing disarmament as surrender and Netanyahu's government seeing anything short of Hamas's complete neutralization as a strategic defeat," explained Daniel Levy, president of the US/Middle East Project, in recent analysis.
Humanitarian organizations have continuously highlighted the catastrophic toll on Gaza's civilian population. With the death toll now exceeding 51,000 Palestinians according to the Gaza Health Ministry, including at least 17,400 children, the humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented levels Al Jazeera5.
Future Implications for Gaza and Hostage Crisis
As the war approaches its 19th month, the prospects for a resolution appear increasingly remote. Hamas currently holds 59 Israeli hostages, while Israel has imprisoned thousands of Palestinians Reuters2.
The rejection of Israel's proposal and Hamas's counteroffer highlight the widening chasm between the parties. While Hamas released 38 hostages during the January ceasefire, efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives have stalled Reuters2.
There was a glimmer of hope last month when senior Hamas representatives came close to an independent agreement directly with the US over captive exchanges. President Donald Trump's hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, had unprecedented face-to-face meetings with Hamas officials in Doha. According to sources cited by The New York Times, these secret meetings were making progress until Israeli officials discovered them and leaked the information to the media, causing the negotiations to collapse Middle East Eye1.
In recent statements, Boehler told Al Jazeera that Israel's war on Gaza would end "immediately" if all captives are released, but placed responsibility squarely on Hamas: "They can reach out any time. Hamas can end this" Middle East Eye1.
Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
With each failed negotiation, Gaza's humanitarian situation deteriorates further. The enclave's infrastructure lies in ruins, with over 70% of housing units destroyed or damaged, according to UN estimates. The healthcare system has collapsed, and food insecurity affects nearly the entire population.
International relief organizations warn that without a ceasefire, Gaza faces unprecedented levels of hunger and disease. The UN has reported that aid deliveries have been severely restricted since Israel reimposed a total siege on goods and humanitarian assistance when it resumed full-scale war on March 15.
As the death toll continues to rise—now surpassing 51,000 Palestinians—and destruction expands across Gaza, the humanitarian crisis represents one of the most severe in recent history, prompting renewed calls from global leaders for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
A Peace Process at the Crossroads
With Hamas's rejection of the Israeli proposal and its counteroffer for comprehensive negotiations, the Gaza conflict stands at a critical crossroads. Will the parties find common ground to end the bloodshed and secure the release of all hostages, or will the cycle of violence continue unabated as positions harden on both sides?
