JERUSALEM – Israel has refused to soften its stance after Hamas announced acceptance of a ceasefire proposal, keeping hopes for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza uncertain. The development comes amid ongoing mediation efforts involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, who had been working on a framework for a two-month truce.
According to details, Hamas agreed to release a number of hostages in exchange for temporary ceasefire measures and humanitarian aid, along with the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that all hostages must be released at once and that military objectives in Gaza remain unchanged.
Political divisions within Israel have also influenced the decision, as members of the governing coalition insist there can be no concessions until Hamas is fully disarmed. Public pressure is rising with protests calling for the safe return of captives, yet the government has remained firm on its conditions.
The refusal to endorse the truce has heightened fears of a prolonged conflict, with international actors warning that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will deepen unless both sides move toward compromise.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.