Israel rejects Hamas proposal for five-year ceasefire in Gaza

Israel has turned down a proposal from Hamas offering a five-year ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of hostages held by militants.

The development was revealed by the state broadcaster Kan, citing a source within Israel’s political system, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

On April 27, sources within the radical Palestinian group stated that Hamas delegations in Doha and Cairo had presented a comprehensive plan to end military operations in Gaza. The proposal called for a five-year ceasefire, during which the Israeli army would fully withdraw from the territory. In parallel, the reconstruction of Gaza would begin, and the blockade on the enclave would be lifted. However, Kan reported that the Hamas delegation refused to discuss the issue of the group’s disarmament.us

The latest negotiations followed an earlier agreement reached on January 15, when Israel and Hamas committed to the release of hostages and the establishment of a ceasefire. That agreement, structured in three phases, came into effect on January 19, with its first phase concluding on March 1. It was initially expected that during the first phase, both sides would agree on terms for implementing the second phase of the ceasefire, but no further agreement was achieved.

On March 18, the Israeli military resumed large-scale operations in Gaza, citing the collapse of negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Hamas had rejected proposals made by mediators and the US President’s special envoy Steven Witkoff, and emphasised that the goal of the renewed military operation was the release of all remaining hostages. Hamas, however, placed responsibility for the breakdown of the ceasefire and renewed hostilities on Israel and the United States.

According to the latest data provided by Israeli authorities, Hamas and allied groups continue to hold 59 hostages in Gaza.

By Tamilla Hasanova