Hamas has reportedly accepted a ceasefire proposal for Gaza, according to sources from Al Jazeera. However, an American official has dismissed this claim, calling the deal "unacceptable" and "disappointing." Israeli officials also refuted the idea that the proposal originated from the U.S., stating that no Israeli government could agree to it.
The conflicting reports come amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties. Medical sources reported that at least 81 people, including many children, were killed in attacks on Monday alone. The situation in Gaza is dire, with Israeli forces continuing to restrict aid access to the area.
According to Al Jazeera, Hamas and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff discussed the draft deal in Doha. The proposal reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living captives held in Gaza. It also outlines a guarantee from U.S. President Donald Trump for the terms of the deal, which would involve the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid.
Despite these claims, Witkoff rejected the idea that Hamas had accepted his proposal, asserting that what he saw was "completely unacceptable." A source close to Witkoff echoed this sentiment, labeling Hamas’s claims as "inaccurate."
The U.S. proposal is said to be a temporary ceasefire agreement, allowing for the return of half of the living captives and deceased individuals. This would serve as a stepping stone toward a more permanent ceasefire, according to a U.S. official.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that he intends to secure the return of the 58 Israeli captives still held in Gaza. He promised that efforts would continue until all captives, both living and deceased, are brought back.
Netanyahu has consistently opposed Hamas’s calls for a permanent ceasefire and has set new conditions for ending the conflict. These include the return of Israeli captives, the demilitarization of Hamas, and the exile of its leaders. He has also mentioned the need to implement a controversial plan for Gaza that has faced widespread criticism.
Hamas, on the other hand, has stated it is willing to release all remaining captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire. The group has also indicated a readiness to transfer control of Gaza to an interim government, as outlined in a proposed reconstruction plan. However, Hamas has firmly rejected any demands for the displacement of Palestinians or the exile of its leaders.
In Gaza, the humanitarian situation has reached a breaking point. Many Palestinians are desperate for any agreement that could halt the relentless bombardment and blockade. Reports indicate that the entire population of Gaza is on the brink of famine, with residents expressing their desperation for relief.
The conflict has escalated significantly since Israel resumed its military operations on March 18, following a total blockade of the area. Health officials in Gaza report that the death toll from the renewed offensive has surpassed 53,977, with over 122,966 injured. Although Israel recently allowed some aid trucks into Gaza, humanitarian officials say the amounts are far from sufficient to meet the needs of the population.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Doha, where discussions are ongoing, and hopes for a ceasefire linger amidst the chaos.