In brief
Israel has firmly dismissed Hamas's recent statement claiming its readiness for a comprehensive deal to end hostilities and release hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that a resolution will only occur under strict terms, including the disarmament of Hamas and establishing security control over Gaza. The families of hostages express concerns over the danger posed by an imminent Israeli offensive.
Israel has rejected a statement from Hamas saying the armed group is ready for a comprehensive deal to end the Gaza war and free all its hostages.This is more spin by Hamas that has nothing new, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.It insisted the war would end only once the 48 hostages - 20 of whom are believed to be alive - were released, Hamas was disarmed, Gaza was demilitarised, Israel had security control, and an alternative civilian administration was established.Hamas reiterated its call for a deal that would see hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli forces withdraw, border crossings reopened, and the start of reconstruction.The group also said it agreed to the formation of an administration run by independent technocrats to govern post-war Gaza.It issued the statement on Tuesday evening, hours after US President Donald Trump wrote on social media: Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!Last month, Hamas said it had accepted a plan from regional mediators Qatar and Egypt that would see 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 dead hostages released during a 60-day truce in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails.Israel has yet to formally respond to the proposal – a decision that Egypt said on Tuesday reflected a complete absence of Israeli will for de-escalation and achieving calm and peace.Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to conquer all of Gaza after indirect negotiations with Hamas on the proposal broke down.Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Hamas must choose between accepting Israel's terms or witnessing Gaza become the equivalent of Rafah and Beit Hanoun, which have been largely flattened by Israeli bombardments.Family members of hostages have voiced their fears that the looming offensive poses a direct threat to the individuals held captive by Hamas and have called for an immediate ceasefire deal to ensure their release.Hamas's ongoing counter-proposals and the lack of progress continue to escalate tensions as neutrals express deep concern over the humanitarian crisis escalating in Gaza amid the conflict.}
