Hamas Reviews New Ceasefire Proposals, Seeks End to Gaza War
The Palestinian group Hamas confirmed it is reviewing new ceasefire proposals from international mediators, while reiterating its demand for a complete end to the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Hamas said it had received the latest proposals and is in talks with mediators to “bridge gaps” in hopes of returning to negotiations. The group emphasized that any acceptable agreement must include a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
International Pressure Builds
The announcement came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire plan and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions deteriorate further. Trump has been pushing both sides to finalize a truce and secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
He stated that the proposed two-month ceasefire would provide a window to work toward ending the war—a goal that Israel has openly rejected unless Hamas is fully dismantled. Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week to discuss the situation.
Israeli Leaders Respond with Mixed Messages
Shortly after Hamas’s statement, Netanyahu firmly declared, “There will be no Hamas in post-war Gaza,” signaling continued resistance to a negotiated peace that leaves the group intact.
Senior Israeli officials, quoted by Axios, warned that military operations in Gaza would intensify if talks stall.
“We’ll do to Gaza City and the central camps what we did to Rafah. Everything will turn to dust,” said one unnamed official, adding that while escalation isn’t preferred, Israel is prepared to act if no progress is made on a hostage deal.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed cautious support for the U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, saying the chance to free hostages should not be missed. He noted broad cabinet and public support for the plan.
However, far-right members of the Israeli government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have not endorsed the proposal publicly.
Distrust and Escalation on the Ground
In Gaza City, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported deep skepticism among Palestinians regarding the credibility of proposed ceasefires.
“There are headlines suggesting a potential end to the genocide, but the reality on the ground tells a different story,” he said, noting that an estimated 100 to 120 Palestinians are killed daily.
Mahmoud said many Palestinians see a contradiction between calls for peace and continued escalation.
“If a ceasefire is being discussed, then conditions should reflect that. But what we are seeing is only more bombing and destruction.”
As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the path to a lasting ceasefire remains uncertain, even as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to worsen.
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