Hamas is considering a proposed cease-fire deal involving pauses in fighting and hostage swaps, but insists on a permanent cease-fire and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners.
This puts them at odds with the multi-stage proposal from Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and the US, which includes temporary cease-fires and gradual releases.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza.
“There is no way that this will be acceptable by the resistance,” senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said.
Hamas seeks the release of prisoners from all factions, not just their own, and demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
“We fear for what comes next,” U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs spokesman Jens Laerke said. “It’s like every week we think, you know, it can’t get any worse. Well, go figure. It gets worse.”
The proposal involves initial cease-fires, release of certain hostages, and gradual aid and return of displaced residents.
