Hamas has dismissed a temporary ceasefire proposal made by the United States, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a senior Israeli official said that Israel is open to the proposal but that “the plan is seen as favoring Hamas.” The proposal envisions a six-week pause during which Hamas would release 40 Israeli hostages, while Israel would liberate 900 Palestinian prisoners. However, according to the report, Hamas disagreed with the temporary nature of the ceasefire, preferring a permanent cessation of hostilities and the complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas allegedly refusing to free 40 hostages
Hamas is said to be rejecting Israel’s demand to free 40 hostages as part of a potential ceasefire agreement, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported. According to the report, Hamas is refusing to release any male soldiers and claims it does not have 40 living elderly or female hostages remaining. On the other hand, Israeli officials insist the Palestinian group does have 40 hostages who meet the required criteria. Meanwhile, a report by Haaretz said that some Israeli cabinet ministers would likely oppose any ceasefire deal that does not include the release of all hostages held by Hamas as they believe such an agreement would give a signal to Hamas that Israel is willing to make big concessions in talks.