US-Backed Ceasefire in Limbo: Israel and Hamas at Odds

Several news outlets reported on Tuesday night that Hamas has rejected the US-brokered ceasefire proposal, according to Israeli officials.

However, Hamas has disputed this account. In late May, the US revealed that Israel had agreed to a proposed three-phase plan, which included a ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages in Gaza.

This week, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) group released a statement stating that they had submitted their own response to the US-backed draft.

An Israeli official, speaking anonymously to the Times of Israel, stated that Hamas had rejected the proposal for a hostage release presented by President Biden.

Reuters quoted another unnamed Israeli official who claimed that Hamas had changed significant aspects of the potential deal.

On the other hand, Hamas stated that it had simply reaffirmed its previous position, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

They also proposed amendments to the Israeli proposal, including a timeline for a ceasefire and IDF withdrawal. The UN Security Council passed a resolution on Monday urging both parties to implement the proposed ceasefire promptly and unconditionally. Israel’s mission to the UN reiterated its commitment to ensuring the security of the Jewish state.