Hamas has turned down Israel’s latest proposal for a partial agreement involving hostages held in Gaza. Khalil al-Hayya, who is leading the group’s negotiation efforts, accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of presenting terms that were “impossible” to meet, saying, “Netanyahu set impossible conditions for a deal that does not lead to the end of the war or full withdrawal. He and his government violated the agreement before its first phase ended.”
Al-Hayya emphasized that Hamas is ready to negotiate seriously, but only under specific conditions. “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. The occupation in return must totally stop the war and totally withdraw from the Gaza Strip,” he stated.
Earlier this week, Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen network, known for its ties to Hezbollah, released what it claimed were the specifics of Israel’s offer that had been submitted to Hamas negotiators in Cairo.
The proposal included a 45-day halt in fighting in exchange for the release of nine hostages believed to be alive and six who are presumed dead. This deal reportedly hinges on a full disarmament of the Gaza Strip.
On the second day of the arrangement, Hamas would free five additional living hostages. In return, Israel would release 66 prisoners serving life sentences and 611 other detainees from Gaza. The exchange was to be carried out discreetly, without the kind of public spectacle Hamas orchestrated during earlier hostage releases in January.
The alleged deal also outlined a jointly approved mechanism for distributing humanitarian assistance, aiming to ensure the supplies go directly to civilians rather than being seized by Hamas—something that has been a persistent issue with aid deliveries throughout the conflict.
Once those five hostages are released, humanitarian shipments would begin entering Gaza, along with materials and resources to construct temporary shelters for displaced residents. At the same time, the IDF would begin repositioning its forces in northern Gaza and near Rafah.
Despite the offer, Hamas remains firm in its refusal to surrender its weapons and continues to demand that the war conclude entirely on its own conditions.
{Matzav.com Israel}