Hamas Submits Ceasefire Proposal Amid Escalating Violence in Gaza
Response includes demands for prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid as Israeli military confirms the death of a Hamas leader.
Hamas has formally submitted its response to a ceasefire proposal put forth by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The proposal includes plans for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
The submission marks a significant development in ongoing negotiations aimed at halting hostilities that have persisted since the conflict ignited on October 7, 2023.
A senior Hamas official stated that while the group did not reject the proposed ceasefire, it had proposed amendments that reflected the group's concerns over Israel's military actions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The proposed adjustments include a phased release schedule for the hostages and additional guarantees for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
In a related development, Israel's military confirmed the death of Mohammed Sinwar, the commander of Hamas's military wing, following an airstrike on May 13. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that Israeli forces would continue to target individuals responsible for attacks on Israel, signaling a sustained commitment to military operations in the region.
The escalating violence has seen at least 60 Palestinians reported killed in the past 24 hours, according to sources from the Gaza health ministry, raising the overall death toll since the onset of hostilities to over 54,000 people.
The civilian population continues to endure devastating conditions, exacerbated by a blockade that has severely limited access to essential goods, including food and medicine.
Humanitarian agencies warn that the situation in Gaza is dire, with the United Nations describing it as one of the hungriest places on Earth and indicating that the entire population is at risk of famine.
Reports have surfaced of Palestinians forcibly taking food supplies from humanitarian trucks that have managed to reach the territory.
The Israeli government has publicly reiterated its position that any ceasefire must include the complete disarming of Hamas and the return of all Israeli hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has stated that while they have agreed to the Witkoff outline for negotiations, they view Hamas's response as a refusal to meet the terms necessary for a ceasefire.
The potential for further negotiation remains contingent on the acceptance of the terms laid out in the proposal.
Witkoff described Hamas's response as 'totally unacceptable,' underscoring the divisions that persist between the two sides as they negotiate.
Both Israeli and Palestinian officials have acknowledged the urgent need for a ceasefire, but the path to achieving a lasting peace continues to encounter significant obstacles.
The analysis of negotiating positions illustrates deep-seated mistrust and differing priorities, especially regarding military actions and humanitarian considerations in the region.
The proposal includes plans for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
The submission marks a significant development in ongoing negotiations aimed at halting hostilities that have persisted since the conflict ignited on October 7, 2023.
A senior Hamas official stated that while the group did not reject the proposed ceasefire, it had proposed amendments that reflected the group's concerns over Israel's military actions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The proposed adjustments include a phased release schedule for the hostages and additional guarantees for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
In a related development, Israel's military confirmed the death of Mohammed Sinwar, the commander of Hamas's military wing, following an airstrike on May 13. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that Israeli forces would continue to target individuals responsible for attacks on Israel, signaling a sustained commitment to military operations in the region.
The escalating violence has seen at least 60 Palestinians reported killed in the past 24 hours, according to sources from the Gaza health ministry, raising the overall death toll since the onset of hostilities to over 54,000 people.
The civilian population continues to endure devastating conditions, exacerbated by a blockade that has severely limited access to essential goods, including food and medicine.
Humanitarian agencies warn that the situation in Gaza is dire, with the United Nations describing it as one of the hungriest places on Earth and indicating that the entire population is at risk of famine.
Reports have surfaced of Palestinians forcibly taking food supplies from humanitarian trucks that have managed to reach the territory.
The Israeli government has publicly reiterated its position that any ceasefire must include the complete disarming of Hamas and the return of all Israeli hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has stated that while they have agreed to the Witkoff outline for negotiations, they view Hamas's response as a refusal to meet the terms necessary for a ceasefire.
The potential for further negotiation remains contingent on the acceptance of the terms laid out in the proposal.
Witkoff described Hamas's response as 'totally unacceptable,' underscoring the divisions that persist between the two sides as they negotiate.
Both Israeli and Palestinian officials have acknowledged the urgent need for a ceasefire, but the path to achieving a lasting peace continues to encounter significant obstacles.
The analysis of negotiating positions illustrates deep-seated mistrust and differing priorities, especially regarding military actions and humanitarian considerations in the region.
