Hamas has rejected Israel’s recent ceasefire offer, according to a senior Hamas official. The rejection comes as calls for further escalation in Gaza grow louder from Israeli far-right lawmakers. These officials are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to escalate military actions, with the aim of achieving a “complete victory” over Hamas. The Israeli ceasefire proposal was viewed as insufficient by Hamas, as it did not guarantee an end to the war and required the disarmament of Gaza—something Hamas is unwilling to accept.
The Israeli proposal suggested a 45-day truce during which both sides could negotiate a lasting ceasefire. It also included the staged release of 59 hostages, with the first hostages released as a gesture to the United States. Additionally, the plan sought to swap Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas rejected the offer from the outset, as it did not meet their core demands, including the permanent end of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas insisted that their arms are vital to resisting Israeli occupation, which they view as a right of the Palestinian people.
In response to the failed ceasefire proposal, far-right Israeli officials like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have called for continued military action. Smotrich has stated that Israel will not halt its bombardment of Gaza without ensuring the complete destruction of Hamas and the safe return of all hostages. Ben Gvir echoed these sentiments, calling for an all-out military effort to force Hamas into surrender.
As the military conflict escalates, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The United Nations has warned of a looming humanitarian catastrophe, as aid to Gaza has been blocked for weeks. Over 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced in less than a month, and the region is facing severe shortages of essential supplies like food, water, and medical resources. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that nearly 1,700 Palestinians have been killed since March 18.
Israel’s decision to block aid has been framed as a strategy to apply pressure on Hamas, but the move has exacerbated the suffering of the civilian population. The UN has called for immediate humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children. Mental health issues are also on the rise, with many families living in extreme conditions.
The war, which began in October 2023 after a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel, has already caused immense destruction. More than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. Despite the mounting casualties, the standoff continues, with both sides firm in their positions. For Hamas, the fight is about resisting occupation and securing the release of prisoners, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas and ensuring its security.
As the situation in Gaza becomes increasingly dire, international calls for peace and a resolution to the conflict are growing, though the path forward remains uncertain.
