Hamas Rejects Latest Proposal for Ceasefire Negotiations

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding the release of hostages and a potential ceasefire have reached an impasse. Reports indicate that Hamas has turned down the latest proposal from Israel, primarily because it does not outline a definitive end to the ongoing conflict, according to statements made by senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya.

According to the Jerusalem Post, the current proposal suggests the release of ten hostages in exchange for a 45-day ceasefire. However, al-Hayya emphasized that Hamas would not agree to partial arrangements. Instead, the group expressed a willingness to negotiate a comprehensive deal that would involve the release of all hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and commitments for reconstruction efforts.

The spokesperson for the National Security Council of the White House remarked that Hamas's stance indicates a lack of interest in peace and a preference for ongoing violence. He reiterated the unchanged conditions set by the previous administration, stating that the choice is clear: release the hostages or face significant consequences.

In a related development, Israel's right-wing finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has called for an escalation of military operations in the Gaza Strip. He stated that it is time to intensify the conflict until Hamas is eradicated and to implement a plan for the voluntary relocation of Gaza's residents.

The last ceasefire phase concluded approximately a month ago, following disagreements between Israel and Hamas regarding the terms of the next phase. Hamas has been advocating for the initiation of a second phase of the agreement, which would involve a cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, a process that was initially scheduled to start in early March. Current Israeli reports indicate that 24 living hostages and 35 deceased individuals are still being held in Gaza.

In a separate yet relevant report, the U.S. government is reportedly beginning to withdraw hundreds of troops from Syria. According to the New York Times, the U.S. military is closing three of its eight small bases in northeastern Syria, reducing the troop presence from 2,000 to approximately 1,400. The Pentagon has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this development.

It was further noted that after a period of 60 days, a review will be conducted to determine if additional reductions in troop strength are necessary. Military leaders have recommended that at least 500 U.S. soldiers remain in Syria to combat the remnants of the Islamic State (IS), which previously controlled large areas in both Syria and neighboring Iraq. Although the group has been militarily defeated, it continues to pose a threat through international operations and plans for attacks in the West.