Israel Rejects Hamas Ceasefire Proposal, Cites Lack of Serious Intent

Following reports in Arab media about a new ceasefire and hostage release proposal, an "Israeli source" rejected the newly proposed framework today (Monday), claiming that Hamas has no genuine interest in reaching a deal.

According to the Israeli claim, "The published proposal cannot be accepted by any responsible Israeli government. There is no real desire from Hamas to move forward with a deal. Israel adheres to the Witkoff framework."

At the same time, the Hostage Families Forum also criticized the proposed framework, stating, "Once again, the same dangerous mindset seeks to continue the war at all costs, in vain. Partial deals are an Israeli loss that can and must be avoided."

"There is one worthy and necessary solution: a comprehensive agreement that will return all 58 hostages and end the war. The Israeli government can achieve this as early as tomorrow morning if it chooses to," they added. "This is the will of the overwhelming majority of the people, the only path to an Israeli victory, and the only way to national recovery and rehabilitation. We will return, we will rise."

As reported this morning in the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ghad, details of the emerging agreement include a 60-day ceasefire, in exchange for the release of 10 living Israeli hostages, 5 on the first day of the agreement and 5 on the last day. Additionally, the bodies of 16 deceased hostages would be returned, with a timeline allowing Hamas to locate their burial sites during the agreement period. If implemented, 32 hostages would still remain in captivity.

Meanwhile, the Al-Mayadeen network reported that Israel and Hamas are reviewing a new ceasefire document drafted by American-Palestinian mediator Bishara Bahbah, who also facilitated the release of Edan Alexander, in coordination with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

According to the report, the document includes clear guarantees from Trump for a complete ceasefire in Gaza during negotiations, as well as a commitment from Hamas and other terror groups not to pose a threat to Israel’s security.