Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly rejected a ceasefire plan put forward by Hamas, which included a five-year truce, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a release of prisoners on both sides.
The proposal, described by Hamas as “responsible” and “comprehensive,” was dismissed by the Israeli government, according to a statement published by the Palestinian group on Friday.
The Hamas plan included several key points: a complete end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the removal of its forces from the territory, lifting the blockade that has choked the enclave for years, and allowing critical humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts to proceed. It also proposed a prisoner exchange deal involving all Israeli captives held in Gaza and a negotiated number of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.
But instead of agreeing to the full package, Netanyahu’s government reportedly refused to engage with the plan as a whole. According to Hamas official Abdel Rahman Shadid, Israel insisted on splitting the issues and avoiding any commitment to ending the war — even at the cost of leaving Israeli captives in Gaza.
The number of Israelis still held in Gaza is estimated to be 59, with only 24 believed to be alive. In comparison, rights groups report that more than 9,500 Palestinians are currently detained in Israeli prisons under harsh conditions, including allegations of torture, starvation, and lack of medical care.
Hamas criticized Netanyahu’s government as extremist and blamed the United States and other nations supporting Israel for enabling what it called war crimes, genocide, and the use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza. The group said it had cooperated with international mediators and remained open to proposals that would bring a lasting peace.
Since Israel launched its offensive in October 2023, more than 52,400 Palestinians — the majority of them women and children — have been killed, according to health officials in Gaza. The humanitarian situation has worsened dramatically, with widespread famine and destruction across the territory.
International legal pressure is also mounting on Israel. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice is hearing a case accusing Israel of genocide.
Despite growing calls for a lasting ceasefire, efforts toward peace remain stalled, with both sides deeply divided on the terms needed to end the devastating conflict.