Israel Rejects Hamas's Proposal for Gaza Deal Amid Ongoing Hostilities

Sat Sep 13 2025 06:58:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the wake of escalating tensions in Gaza, Israel dismisses Hamas's offer for a ceasefire and comprehensive deal, insisting on the release of hostages and disarmament of Hamas.

Israel's government has rebuffed Hamas's claim of readiness for a comprehensive deal to end the ongoing conflict and release hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office referred to Hamas's statement as mere ‘spin,’ declaring that peace can only be achieved when all hostages are freed and Hamas is disarmed. This tension follows escalating military operations in Gaza, with both sides facing pressures for a ceasefire amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

Israel has rejected a statement from Hamas saying the armed group is ready for a 'comprehensive deal' to end the Gaza war and free all its hostages.

'This is more spin by Hamas that has nothing new,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

It insisted the war would end only once the 48 hostages - 20 of whom are believed to be alive - were released, Hamas was disarmed, Gaza was demilitarised, Israel had security control, and an 'alternative civilian administration' was established.

Hamas reiterated its call for a deal that would see hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli forces withdraw, border crossings reopened, and the start of reconstruction.

The group also said it agreed to the formation of an administration run by independent technocrats to govern post-war Gaza.

It issued the statement on Tuesday evening, hours after US President Donald Trump wrote on social media: 'Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!'

Last month, Hamas said it had accepted a plan from regional mediators Qatar and Egypt that would see 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 dead hostages released during a 60-day truce in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails.

Israel has yet to formally respond to the proposal – a decision that Egypt said on Tuesday reflected 'a complete absence of Israeli will for de-escalation and achieving calm and peace'.

Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to conquer all of Gaza after indirect negotiations with Hamas on an earlier proposal broke down.

The Israeli military has intensified operations in Gaza City, leading to significant civilian casualties and prompting concerns from the international community regarding the humanitarian situation.

Families of hostages express anxiety that escalating military actions threaten the lives of their loved ones, urging the government to expedite negotiations for a ceasefire.

The UN has warned that continued conflict could result in catastrophic humanitarian consequences for civilians in Gaza, many of whom are already displaced and facing dire living conditions.