Hamas agrees to ceasefire, Israel rejects proposal

Amid escalating violence in Gaza, Hamas has called on the United Nations and the international community to intervene to halt what it describes as genocide, reaffirming its willingness to enter a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. However, Israel has rejected the proposal and continues its military campaign in Gaza City.

Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera reported that while both parties have shown openness to a prisoner exchange, Hamas refuses to comply with Israel’s condition of disarmament prior to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. In response, Israel carried out what has been described as a more “brutal and destructive” wave of attacks on Wednesday.

In a 24-hour period, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 73 Palestinians across Gaza, including 43 in Gaza City alone. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the death toll since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, has now reached 63,819 over the past 22 months.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Hamas reiterated its readiness to accept a full ceasefire and to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly dismissed the proposal, calling Hamas’s position “repetitive,” and reaffirmed that the war will only end under conditions set by the Israeli cabinet.

“The war can end immediately under the cabinet’s terms, which include the release of all Israeli hostages and the complete disarmament of Hamas,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, Hamas has agreed to the most recent ceasefire proposal put forward by international mediators but remains firm in its refusal to disarm until a Palestinian state is officially recognized as part of a two-state solution. Qatar, acting as a mediator, confirmed that Israel has also rejected the same ceasefire framework, which Hamas had accepted last month.

Israel’s continued offensive has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. Several countries — including France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, and Australia — are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly later this month.

Israeli authorities estimate that 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, Palestinian media and human rights organizations report that over 10,800 Palestinians are currently imprisoned in Israeli detention centers, where they are subjected to torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Many have died as a result, with others reportedly deteriorating in severe conditions.