Hostage Deal Rejected as Hamas Stands Firm on Israeli Withdrawal

A Hamas official has reportedly dismissed the latest hostage deal offer, maintaining the group's demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal as a precondition for any agreement. This development follows a series of negotiations that have yet to yield a resolution to the ongoing hostage situation.

According to sources, the rejected proposal was presented by Egyptian mediators, aiming to break the deadlock between Israel and Hamas. However, the offer fell short of meeting Hamas's expectations, leading to its rejection⁴. The unnamed Hamas official was quoted expressing dissatisfaction with the proposal, labeling it as a continuation of Israel's 'stubborn' stance.

The demands set forth by Hamas include not only the full withdrawal of Israeli forces but also a permanent ceasefire, the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid allowed into the Strip. Additionally, Hamas seeks the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the 130 hostages it has held since October 7.

Despite the impasse, there is a possibility of new talks being held in Cairo next week, ahead of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.