Hamas has unequivocally rejected the latest proposed hostage deal, diverging significantly from the mediation efforts led by Qatari, Egyptian, and American officials.
Instead of the 40 hostages initially suggested for release, Hamas is now adamant about freeing only around 20 individuals, focusing primarily on women and men over 50 years old. This shift was confirmed by a senior Israeli official, as reported by The Times of Israel.
Notably, Hamas has introduced additional conditions, including a demand for a six-week ceasefire before releasing the specified hostages. Furthermore, the group insists that the first stage of releases must be contingent upon guarantees for a permanent ceasefire, complete IDF withdrawal from Gaza, and the unhindered return of Palestinians to the northern part of the enclave – conditions vehemently opposed by Jerusalem.
Moreover, Hamas has escalated its demands regarding Palestinian security prisoners, seeking a higher number for each hostage released and an increased number of convicted murderers to be set free.
The rejection of the proposed deal and the imposition of stringent conditions by Hamas have complicated negotiations, raising concerns about the prospects for reaching a resolution in the near future.
