US Ceasefire Proposal Meets Stiff Resistance from Hamas
Hamas' response to the U.S. ceasefire proposal deemed entirely unsatisfactory by Witkoff - Hamas rejection of the U.S. truce proposal deemed thoroughly unacceptable by Witkoff
In a stark response, Witkoff called out Hamas, stating their reaction to the US ceasefire proposal as "completely unacceptable" and a "step backwards." The proposal, aimed at serving as the foundation for imminent ceasefire talks, could potentially commence as early as next week.
Witkoff emphasized the necessity of this proposal to achieve a 60-day ceasefire, with the exchange of living hostages and deceased ones returning to their families. Furthermore, it could initiate substantial negotiations for a long-term ceasefire.
Despite Israel agreeing to the US ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip on Thursday, the initial Hamas response in the Gaza Strip was negative. However, on Saturday, adhering to US demands, the Hamas announced the transfer of ten living hostages and 18 deceased hostages as part of the planned ceasefire deal. In return, Israel is said to release Palestinian prisoners.
Reports coming from Hamas circles suggest that the Palestinian organization communicated their official response, positive yeteteslich, to the mediators. This response included a demand for a permanent ceasefire guarantee and a "complete withdrawal" of Israel from the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government, on the other hand, insists on the expulsion of Hamas from the Gaza Strip and the disarmament of the Palestinian territory, demands that Hamas finds unacceptable.
As per Israeli reports, 57 hostages are currently held by the Islamists, with 34 of them reportedly deceased. The Gaza war commenced on October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out a large-scale assault on Israel. Since then, Israel has been engaged in extensive military operations in the Palestinian territory.
Key Players:
- Hamas
- US President
- Joe Biden (or Donald Trump in May 2024)
- Ceasefire
- Israel
- Gaza Strip
- USA
Enrichment Data:
The Current Situation:The US ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip is engulfed in a complex and ever-evolving situation. Here's a quick rundown:
- Ceasefire Failures: Previous ceasefires between Israel and Hamas-led militant groups, such as the one lasting from January 19 to March 18, 2025, have broken down. The most recent break down occurred when Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza on March 18, 2025 and resumed full-scale combat against Hamas[1].
- Past Proposals: Mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar drafted an initial proposal, which included a six-week ceasefire, hostage release, and reconstruction efforts. However, this proposal faced difficulties in implementation due to disagreements over its terms[1].
- Hamas's Requirements: Hamas's demands include a permanent ceasefire, Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, an end to the blockade, and substantial reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip supported by international aid[1].
- International Involvement: The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been active in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas. Despite their efforts, achieving a lasting agreement has proven challenging[1].
In essence, the US, along with other international parties, are actively working towards a ceasefire and a lasting peace agreement. However, the current state of affairs remains uncertain, with both sides holding diverse demands and interpretations of what a long-term peace might look like.
The US President, whether it's Joe Biden or Donald Trump in May 2024, is working towards a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with the US ceasefire proposal serving as the possible foundation for negotiations. However, Hamas's initial reaction to the proposal was negative, and their recent response, positive yeteslich, includes demands for a permanent ceasefire guarantee and a "complete withdrawal" of Israel from the Gaza Strip. This complex and evolving situation in the Gaza Strip, marked by past ceasefire failures and numerous demands from both sides, presents a challenge for the US and other international parties aiming to mediate a lasting peace.
