Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, which demanded the group’s disarmament without guarantees of ending the war or withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza. According to a senior Palestinian official, the proposal, relayed via Egyptian mediators, offered a six-week ceasefire and the release of half the remaining living hostages, but failed to meet Hamas’ key conditions.
The refusal comes as Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian crisis. A UN agency has warned that conditions are now “the worst in 18 months,” with food, fuel, and medical supplies running dangerously low. Israel’s six-week blockade on aid crossings has severely crippled relief efforts. UN officials have strongly denied Israeli claims that sufficient aid exists inside Gaza, warning that the blockade may violate international humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its offensive in Gaza. Recent airstrikes, including one targeting the Kuwaiti Field Hospital in Khan Younis, have killed civilians and healthcare workers, damaging critical infrastructure. The al-Ahli Arab Hospital, previously one of the best functioning facilities in northern Gaza, is now out of service following a separate strike. UN Secretary General António Guterres has condemned these attacks, stressing that medical facilities must be protected under international law.
At least 51,000 people have been killed in Gaza since hostilities erupted, including over 1,600 since Israel resumed ground operations in mid-March. Israel launched its offensive following Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 dead and 251 hostages taken.
Despite growing international pressure and reports of Egyptian mediation to revise terms, a breakthrough remains elusive. While many Israelis support a deal to secure hostage releases, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from hard-line allies opposed to ending the war. Internal dissent is also rising within Israel, with reservists criticizing the government’s priorities and the continued strain on military forces.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows more dire by the day, with over 70% of the territory now under displacement orders or designated as “no-go” zones for aid workers. The prospects for peace remain uncertain.
