Hamas's response to Israel's Gaza truce plan under scrutiny by Israeli officials
In a bid to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a ceasefire proposal was put forward earlier this year. The agreement, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, included a six-week truce, the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, an end to war, and a reconstruction plan spanning over several years [1]. The proposal was accepted by both Hamas and Israel, but the truce collapsed in March 2025 due to Hamas's refusal to release hostages and rejection of extending the ceasefire [1].
Since then, Israel has resumed heavy military operations in Gaza, and as of August 26, 2025, ceasefire talks are at a standstill due to the Israeli government's ongoing military offensive, with no new ceasefire agreement reached and the humanitarian situation worsening [2].
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene discussions about the ceasefire proposal soon. Meanwhile, displaced persons such as Awad Labde express hope for a positive response from Israel. However, there are concerns among the people in Gaza City about Israel's plans to seize control of the city [2].
Israel maintains that it demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles established by the cabinet for ending the war. As of now, Israel says a total of 50 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of them still alive [2]. Tens of thousands of Israelis have held some of the largest protests since the war began, urging a deal to end the fighting and free the remaining hostages held in Gaza [2].
In response to reports of trapped civilians due to shelling, the Israeli military says it is checking the reports. Local health authorities have reported that dozens of people have been trapped in their houses because of the shelling [2].
The proposed truce includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and the entry of more humanitarian aid into Gaza, where a population of 2.2 million people is increasingly facing famine [2]. Under the proposal, Hamas would release half of the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, returning 10 living and 18 deceased hostages [2].
Egypt and Qatar have been pushing to restart indirect talks between the sides on a US-backed ceasefire plan. However, there are no signs of a ceasefire nearing, on the ground, as of Tuesday [2]. Abdallah Al-Khawaja, another displaced person, expressed skepticism about the proposed truce, expecting Israel to reject it [2].
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides, with Israeli gunfire, tank shelling, and air strikes killing at least 20 Palestinians on Tuesday, according to Gaza health officials [2]. Despite the ongoing hostilities, efforts to restart peace negotiations continue, with Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stating that the 60-day truce deal would include a pathway to a comprehensive agreement to end the war [2].
References: [1] The New York Times. (2025, March 15). Israel and Hamas Reach a Ceasefire Deal, but It Quickly Collapses. Retrieved August 26, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/15/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-ceasefire.html [2] Associated Press. (2025, August 26). Israel Resumes Offensive in Gaza, Stalling Ceasefire Talks. Retrieved August 26, 2025, from https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-middle-east-conflict-ceasefire-1283438f9b190a8800e5c68e3064f05c
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