Hamas rejects ceasefire deal, White House warns of devastating consequences ahead

The White House issued a harsh rebuke of Hamas yesterday (Thursday), following the group’s rejection of Israel’s latest proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council reaffirmed that President Donald Trump’s position remains unchanged.

“Hamas’s comments demonstrate they are not interested in peace but perpetual violence,” said NSC spokesperson James Hewitt. “The terms made by the Trump Administration have not changed: release the hostages or face hell.”

The remarks came in response to a statement by Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas official leading negotiations, who accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of presenting “impossible conditions” and violating prior agreements.

“We are prepared to immediately hold true negotiations for the release of the captives that we hold in return for an agreed-upon number of prisoners being held by the occupation,” al-Hayya said. “The occupation in return must totally stop the war and totally withdraw from the Gaza Strip.”

Earlier in the week, Lebanon’s Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen channel published what it claimed were details of the Israeli proposal presented to Hamas during talks in Cairo. The offer reportedly includes a 45-day ceasefire and the release of nine living and six deceased hostages, with a stipulation that Hamas disarm as part of the final phase.

Under the plan, Hamas would release five living hostages on the second day in exchange for 66 prisoners serving life sentences and another 611 security detainees from Gaza. The hostages would be freed without media fanfare or public displays, in contrast to previous staged releases.

The framework also includes new protocols for humanitarian aid distribution, with both sides required to agree on mechanisms that prevent Hamas from diverting supplies intended for civiliansan - issue cited repeatedly by aid organizations throughout the war.