Hamas Rejects Israel’s Truce Proposal
Hamas has officially rejected Israel’s latest proposal for a truce, signaling its call for a more comprehensive agreement to bring an end to the ongoing conflict that has persisted for 18 months. The chief negotiator for the Palestinian militant group voiced this stance following reports from civil defense teams in Gaza, which indicated that new Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 40 individuals, primarily in camps for displaced persons. The escalation marks a continued intensification of Israel’s military actions in the region.
In a written response sent to mediators, Hamas detailed Israel’s demands during negotiations for a proposed 45-day ceasefire. These included the release of ten hostages held by Hamas and the freeing of 1,231 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention, alongside the urgent need for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza, which has endured a strict blockade since early March.
Hamas’s Conditions for Ceasefire
A significant condition in Israel’s ceasefire proposal is the disarming of Hamas, a demand the group categorically dismissed. Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s chief negotiator, expressed his views publicly, indicating that Israel’s partial agreements are often manipulated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to further his political agenda. He emphasized that Hamas seeks a comprehensive settlement that includes a complete prisoner exchange for an end to hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts in the war-torn territory.
The previous ceasefire agreement, which began on January 19, unraveled two months later. Israel proposed an extension of the initial phase; however, Hamas pushed for negotiations regarding a second phase. This second phase was initially discussed during President Joe Biden’s administration, but following a period of intense negotiations, Israel resumed heavy bombing campaigns over Gaza by mid-March.
Qatar’s Criticism of Israel
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar’s emir, has publicly condemned Israel for failing to uphold the terms of the ceasefire, which Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, helped mediate. Speaking during a visit to Moscow, he lamented, “As you know, we reached an agreement months ago, but unfortunately, Israel did not abide by this agreement.” His remarks reflect the broader frustrations of those involved in diplomatic efforts to reach a stable resolution.
Meanwhile, civil defense spokesperson Mahmud Bassal reported a tragic incident where Israeli missiles targeted tents in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, leading to the deaths of at least 16, mainly women and children. The area had become a refuge for many displaced Palestinians after being declared a safe zone by Israel in December 2023, but recent airstrikes have disrupted the supposed security.
Tragic Impact on Displaced Civilians
Survivors from the Al-Mawasi attack recounted the harrowing moment that turned their tents into wreckage. Israa Abu al-Rus described a sudden explosion that ignited the adjacent tents, transforming a scene of serenity into chaos. This horrifying incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of civilians caught in the crossfire as Israeli air forces continue their operations.
Additionally, reports emerged of further Israeli strikes that resulted in the deaths of nine individuals across two camps for displaced Gazans, including a father and son near Al-Mawasi. Other casualties included members of the Asaliya family and individuals seeking refuge in a school repurposed as a shelter. The situation has prompted Israeli military statements suggesting they were targeting a Hamas command center.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
In an alarming development, Israel announced the conversion of 30 percent of Gaza into a buffer zone amidst its ongoing military offensive. The UN has reported that half a million Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes since operations resumed, characterizing the situation as the most severe humanitarian crisis since the outbreak of war following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Further complicating these dire circumstances, Hamas accused Israel of deliberately starving the 2.4 million residents of Gaza by barring access to essential supplies and humanitarian aid. In a statement, they condemned this as a potential war crime, echoing growing concerns over the humanitarian fallout. The Red Cross expressed its outrage after one of its bases was struck by an explosion, marking a painful reminder of the dangers faced by aid workers on the ground.
Increasing Casualties Amid Renewed Attacks
As a result of the ongoing conflict, the Hamas-run health ministry reported at least 1,691 fatalities in Gaza, with the total death toll since the war’s inception reaching a staggering 51,065, predominantly affecting civilians. The hostilities ignited by Hamas’s assault on Israel back in October have also taken a heavy toll, causing the deaths of 1,218 individuals in Israel, again mostly civilians, according to reports.
The persistence of violence and military offensives in Gaza has led to unbearable suffering for many, highlighted by visible destruction and rising smoke plumes towering over the cityscape. The continued loss of life and displacement underscores the urgent need for a renewed diplomatic effort to address the humanitarian needs and to eventually bring about lasting peace.
