Hamas has formally rejected Israel’s proposed changes to the ceasefire terms, insisting that any agreement must adhere to the conditions established on July 2, CNN reported.
The rejection emerged following the Hamas delegation’s departure from Cairo on Sunday evening, casting further uncertainty over the US-supported efforts to end the ongoing conflict that has persisted for 10 months.
Izzat al-Rishq, a prominent member of Hamas’s political bureau, underscored the group’s insistence that the agreement must align with the July 2 accord.
This agreement includes stipulations for a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of residents to their homes, humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal. Al-Rishq’s statement emphasized that Hamas demands strict adherence to these terms.
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan criticized Israel for introducing new conditions that were not part of the original agreement.
These reportedly include the repositioning of Israeli troops in the Philadelphi corridor—a critical area along the Egypt-Gaza border—and the involvement of non-Palestinian entities in managing the Rafah crossing. Hamdan’s accusations suggest that these new demands are seen as obstacles to reaching a viable agreement.
Hamas has also directed criticism towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of obstructing progress in the negotiations. The group contends that Netanyahu’s additional demands reflect a lack of genuine commitment to achieving a ceasefire.
Netanyahu has consistently maintained that military operations will persist until Hamas is defeated, a position that has faced opposition from some Israeli officials and families of captives held by the group.
The conflict, which began with a large-scale Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The attack claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken, with more than 100 still in captivity.
In retaliation, Israel launched a major military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, this operation has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian populations.
Amid escalating tensions, the Israeli military reported that approximately 100 fighter jets targeted and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels, striking more than 40 launch sites in Lebanon.
The Israeli government has declared a 48-hour emergency in response to the heightened threat from Lebanon, reflecting the broader regional implications of the conflict.
The ongoing disputes and the rejection of new ceasefire terms underscore the complexities of achieving a resolution to the prolonged conflict.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains fluid and highly charged, with significant challenges ahead for negotiators and stakeholders aiming to bring about a lasting peace.