‘Israel’ rejects Hamas's five-year ceasefire proposal: Hebrew media
'Israel' has firmly rejected a proposal from Hamas for a five-year ceasefire that would include the release of all captives held in Gaza, according to a senior 'Israeli' political figure cited by Ynet.
The proposal, discussed during recent negotiations mediated by Arab countries, was dismissed as a potential threat to 'Israel's' security, with the official stating it would allow Hamas to "arm itself, recover, and continue its war on the State of Israel with greater intensity."
The ceasefire offer emerged over the weekend, prior to a delegation of Hamas leaders arriving in Cairo for talks. A Hamas source told AFP that the group was prepared for a comprehensive prisoner exchange in a single operation, alongside agreeing to the five-year truce.
However, 'Israel’s' response, articulated by the senior official, emphasized skepticism about Hamas’ intentions. "There is no chance that we will agree to a truce with Hamas that will only allow it to arm itself," the official said, highlighting concerns that such a deal would enable Hamas to rebuild its military capabilities.
The report also stated that the senior official addressed US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to displace Gaza’s population, acknowledging that "the departure is still not large." 'Israel' has received requests from Western countries, including Canada, to facilitate the exit of their citizens or family members from Gaza.
"Our principles are to take out people who want to leave freely of their own free will; and on the other side, there are countries that want to absorb them," the official noted. However, Trump’s plan has faced widespread condemnation from Arab states and human rights groups, who argue it violates international law and risks destabilizing the region.
Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire and full 'Israeli' withdrawal from Gaza, while 'Israel' demands the disarmament of Hamas and the immediate release of captives. As mediators scramble to salvage the talks, the prospect of renewed fighting looms large, threatening further devastation in Gaza, where over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
