Ceasefire Deal with Hamas in Gaza Denied by Israel and US

Strategic Insights -

Reports of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and the US have been dismissed by both Israeli and American officials. US special envoy Steve Witkoff denied the agreement, stating that the proposal discussed was not the one presented by him and that what he had seen was "completely unacceptable." Israeli officials also rejected the proposal, calling it "unacceptable" and stating that no responsible government could accept it. Meanwhile, a report from Palestinian sources claimed that Hamas had agreed to a proposal including the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and a 70-day ceasefire in exchange for a partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. However, the proposal presented by Witkoff called for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living captives in stages, with negotiations towards a permanent end to the war and humanitarian aid. The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has resulted in further casualties, with a recent attack on a UN school killing at least 36 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reports of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and the US have been denied by both Israeli and American officials.
  • US special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that the proposal discussed was not the one presented by him and that what he had seen was "completely unacceptable."
  • Israeli officials rejected the proposal, calling it "unacceptable" and stating that no responsible government could accept it.
  • A report from Palestinian sources claimed that Hamas had agreed to a proposal including the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and a 70-day ceasefire.
  • The proposal presented by Witkoff called for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living captives in stages.
  • The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has resulted in further casualties, with a recent attack on a UN school killing at least 36 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
  • Local reports added that the majority of people killed in the attack were burned alive while seeking shelter in the school.
  • Israeli officials claimed that the attack targeted "key terrorists" operating within a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command and control centre.

Statistics:

  • At least 36 Palestinians were killed in the recent attack on a UN school in Gaza.
  • The majority of those killed were women and children.
  • The proposal presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff called for a 60-day ceasefire.
  • The same proposal also included the release of 10 living captives in stages.
  • A reported Palestinian source claimed that Hamas had agreed to the proposal, which included a 70-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living Israeli hostages.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • Palestinian sources (no specific source mentioned in the text)
  • HT Digital Content Services (published with permission from Hindustan Times)