Hopes of Gaza truce dim, as US and Israel reject Hamas ceasefire offer

Amid the intensifying conflict in Gaza, conflicting reports have surfaced regarding a proposed ceasefire deal by Hamas, with hopes of the deal going dim, following US and Israel rejection of the offer as of Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

According to sources cited by Al Jazeera, Hamas has reportedly agreed to a truce proposal allegedly presented by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

The proposal reportedly outlines a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living hostages currently held in Gaza.

It also outlines a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region.

Furthermore, the deal includes provisions for the unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid to the heavily blockaded and war-torn enclave.

However, Steve Witkoff has publicly denied any involvement in presenting such a plan, describing Hamas’s claims as “completely unacceptable” and “disappointing.”

His denial was echoed by Israeli officials, who also rejected the notion that such a proposal had come from the United States.

They added that no Israeli government could accept the terms reportedly included in the document.

The Israeli stance suggests that the ceasefire proposal does not align with their national interests or strategic goals.

This is particularly in the ongoing military campaign against Hamas.

These conflicting narratives have emerged during a period of intense violence and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Israeli military operations have continued unabated, with reports indicating mounting civilian casualties.

On Monday alone, at least 81 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes, according to local medical sources.

The dead reportedly include a significant number of children, further escalating global concern.

Meanwhile, the delivery of aid into Gaza remains severely restricted, compounding the dire situation for civilians trapped in the conflict zone.

Hamas has responded to the reports of the ceasefire by reiterating its long-standing conditions for any agreement.

The group demands a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention, and an end to what it calls the Israeli occupation.

Hamas has made clear that it rejects any partial or temporary agreements that do not fulfill these core conditions.

According to the group, such limited deals could serve to advance Israel’s political or military objectives while failing to address the underlying issues of the conflict.

On the other side, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to continuing military operations in Gaza.

According to him, this will go on until all Israeli captives are returned.

 According to Israeli authorities, 58 citizens remain in captivity, with some believed to still be alive.

Netanyahu’s office has not issued any direct comment on the alleged ceasefire proposal.

Rather, they are maintaining a focus on the mission to bring home every captive, both living and deceased.

This position underscores the Israeli government’s prioritization of hostage recovery over short-term ceasefire arrangements that may leave Hamas’s infrastructure intact.

The overall situation remains extremely volatile, with both parties entrenched in opposing positions.

Hamas continues to advocate for a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire that includes the fulfillment of its political and humanitarian demands.

Israel, meanwhile, insists that any end to the conflict must include the complete return of its hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities.

These divergent objectives have created significant challenges for international mediators attempting to broker a lasting resolution.

Global efforts to facilitate dialogue and negotiate peace persist, but the deep mistrust between the parties and their conflicting agendas hinder progress.

Despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life, the conflict shows little sign of de-escalation.

Both sides remain committed to their goals, with humanitarian agencies warning of worsening conditions for civilians in Gaza if the fighting continues without a sustainable political solution.

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