Hamas rejects partial ceasefire proposal

Hamas announced its readiness to release all hostages in exchange for an end to the war, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and the start of the reconstruction process.

Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, responded to Israel’s “partial” ceasefire proposals. Hayya stated that Hamas had fulfilled all its obligations under the three-phase ceasefire agreement reached after one and a half years of negotiations. He added, “However, the Netanyahu government sabotaged the agreement before the first phase was even completed and carried out severe massacres against our people.”

Hayya stated that Netanyahu wants to continue the war to protect his political future. He said that Hamas had accepted the proposal presented by mediators during Ramadan, but Netanyahu rejected it and presented a new suggestion that did not include ending the war or withdrawal.

The Hamas leader said that all hostages could be released in exchange for Israel ending its attacks, completely withdrawing from Gaza, starting the reconstruction process, and lifting the blockade. Hayya emphasized their readiness for immediate negotiations on this comprehensive package.

Hayya stated that Netanyahu’s proposal prolongs the war and hunger, and therefore cannot be accepted. He stated that the weapons held by Hamas are a result of the occupation and represent a legitimate right of resistance.

Hayya expressed that Hamas welcomed the view of the US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs that “the issue of war and prisoners should be resolved together,” stating that this stance aligns with Hamas’s position. He also called on the international community for urgent intervention to lift the Gaza blockade.

US National Security Council Spokesperson James Hewitt argued that Hamas’s statements serve violence, not peace. Hewitt said, “The Trump administration’s terms have not changed: Release the hostages or face hell.”

Israel and Hamas had signed a phased ceasefire plan in January, but this plan collapsed after the first phase. While Hamas sought to proceed to the second phase outlined in the agreement, Israel attempted to renegotiate the terms for releasing more hostages without guaranteeing a complete end to the war. Upon Hamas’s rejection of this proposal, Israel resumed its military attacks and occupation in Gaza on March 18.

Netanyahu is unwilling to end the war until Hamas’s military and administrative capabilities are completely destroyed. This stance is also supported by his far-right partners in the coalition. These partners threaten to bring down the government if Netanyahu ends the war.

Responding to al-Hayya’s statement, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that Israel would not surrender to Hamas and that the war in Gaza would not end until “total victory” is achieved. In a post on his X account, Smotrich said, “The gates of hell should be opened to Hamas, the war should be deepened with the complete occupation of Gaza, the destruction of Hamas, and Trump’s plan for the voluntary resettlement of Gazans in another country should be implemented.”

Far-right coalition partner and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said that Israel should increase its military pressure to bring Hamas to a state of “kneeling and begging.” Ben Gvir said, “Hamas cannot dictate terms, it obeys terms! No agreement, no ceasefire, no aid; only the continuation of the war until the Nazi-like elements in Gaza surrender.”