Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Proposals Amid Gaza Conflict

Hamas has claimed to have lost contact with the group holding US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander following an Israeli strike on their location. Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier, was captured during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and had appeared in videos released by Hamas in recent days. Israel had proposed a 45-day ceasefire that included Alexander's release on the first day, but Hamas rejected the proposal. Hamas has said it is still trying to re-establish contact with the group holding Alexander and has released a video warning that hostages will return in coffins if Israel continues its military offensive.

Hamas has rejected an Israeli proposal for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza that required the group to disarm without a commitment from Israel to end the war or withdraw its troops. A senior Palestinian official said the proposal, which was mediated by Egypt, was unacceptable as it did not meet Hamas' key demands. Israel's proposal also called for the release of half of the living hostages held by Hamas, estimated to be around 24 people. The rejection comes as Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, with at least 1,630 people killed since the operation resumed. The UN has warned of a severe humanitarian crisis, with the blockade on supplies potentially breaching international humanitarian law. Egypt has put forward a modified proposal, which Hamas is considering.

Hamas has rejected Israel's latest ceasefire proposal, which included a 45-day ceasefire and the return of humanitarian aid in exchange for 11 hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. Hamas leader Abu Zuhri stated that disarming is a "million red lines" and not subject to consideration. The proposal's failure was not a surprise to mediators, who were skeptical due to the lack of withdrawal terms and Hamas's refusal to relinquish its arms. Israel has continued its military operations in Gaza, capturing more territory and creating a buffer zone, with the goal of exerting pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages.