Hamas has strongly criticized a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, saying it does not address Palestinian demands for an end to the war and ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’s Political Bureau, said in a statement Thursday that the proposal would effectively “perpetuate the occupation and the continuation of killing and starvation” even during a temporary truce. He stressed that Hamas was “studying the proposal with national responsibility.”
The BBC reported that a senior Hamas official indicated the group was likely to reject the plan, citing the lack of a comprehensive humanitarian protocol to allow the entry of hundreds of aid trucks daily. The official said the proposal also contradicted earlier discussions with American mediators.
Hamas confirmed receipt of the revised proposal and said it was reviewing it “responsibly and in a manner that serves our people’s interests and achieves a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.” Reuters said Hamas was expected to issue its formal response on Friday or Saturday. Meanwhile, the White House announced that Israel had agreed to the deal.
Details of the plan, according to The New Arab and Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, include a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 28 Israeli captives in exchange for 125 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 Palestinians. Hamas would initially release 10 Israeli captives and 18 bodies in two phases, with Israel releasing 1,111 Palestinian detainees and 180 bodies.
However, Israel has reportedly demanded Hamas’s full disarmament, the dismantling of its military wing, and the end of its governance in Gaza. Hamas has rejected these terms, calling instead for a complete Israeli withdrawal and an unconditional permanent ceasefire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will maintain “security control” over Gaza indefinitely and facilitate the “voluntary emigration” of parts of its population — which critics argue amounts to occupation and ethnic cleansing.
Since Israel resumed its offensive in March, at least 4,000 Palestinians have been killed, bringing the death toll in Gaza to over 54,000.