Hamas Rejects US-Brokered Ceasefire Deal as Israeli Attacks Continue

Hamas is being "completely unacceptable" in talks to broker a hostage and ceasefire agreement in Gaza, according to U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff made the statement in response to Hamas's claim that they had accepted a U.S. deal, which would see a 60-day ceasefire and the release of five live hostages on day one, followed by five more on the final day. However, Witkoff said that Hamas was not given a new proposal, despite their claims.

Key Takeaways:

• Hamas has rejected a US-brokered ceasefire deal, citing it as "completely unacceptable."
• The deal proposed by Witkoff would see the release of 10 live hostages and 19 dead hostages in return for a ceasefire lasting between 45 to 60 days.
• Israel has dismissed Hamas's claim that they had accepted a U.S. deal, stating that no Israeli government would accept it.
• Progress with negotiations to end the war has been slow, with the situation in Gaza remaining volatile.
• Trump is growing increasingly frustrated and upset by images of suffering Palestinian children, and is said to want to see an end to the war "as quickly as possible."

Statistics:

• 55 people were killed in Israel's latest attacks on Gaza, including 36 children.
• 58 hostages remain in captivity, with a third believed to be alive.
• 1,200 people were killed in the initial Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
• 250 people were taken captive by Hamas during the same attack.

Sources:

• Axios
• The Associated Press