Israel Official Advocates Intense Action in Gaza Region
Israel, Hamas at Odds Over U.S.-Backed Ceasefire Proposal
JERUSALEM — A fresh ceasefire proposal, backed by the United States, has failed to meet Hamas' demands, the militant group said on Thursday. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has called for "full force" in Gaza, in response to the rejection of the proposed truce.
Ben Gvir, a far-right minister, urged Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to take decisive action against Hamas. In a statement on his Telegram channel, Ben Gvir said, "The confusion, the shuffling and the weakness must end." He advocated for a strong response to "destroy, and kill Hamas to the last one."
The White House confirmed that a ceasefire proposal had been submitted, backed by Israel, but Hamas' political bureau member Bassem Naim said the new version "does not meet any of our people's demands." He added that the group was "studying the response to the proposal with full national responsibility."
The new proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire period, the release of 28 Israeli hostages held alive and dead in the first week, in exchange for the release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 dead Palestinians[1]. Humanitarian aid would also be provided to Gaza once the ceasefire agreement is ratified, by the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other agreed channels[2].
However, Hamas has expressed several demands that are deemed "totally unacceptable" by the U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff[3]. These demands include a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, unrestricted humanitarian aid, a prisoner exchange, and a ceasefire of up to seven years. The U.S. proposal, on the other hand, aims for a 60-day ceasefire only[2][3].
Israel has yet to confirm whether it has approved the new proposal. Continuing discussions are reportedly underway between the parties involved.
[1] AFP and Reuters, JERUSALEM[2] The Associated Press, NEW YORK[3] The New York Times, NEW YORK
Politics surrounding the proposed U.S.-backed ceasefire in the war-and-conflicts between Israel and Hamas have intensified, with the militant group rejecting the current proposal due to its stipulations. General news outlets report that while the new proposal includes humanitarian aid and the release of Israeli hostages, it falls short of Hamas' demands for a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, and a longer ceasefire period.
