Hamas’s Stance on the US-Backed Ceasefire Proposal
The Palestinian group Hamas has responded to a ceasefire initiative endorsed by the United States, with a senior official stating that the proposal “does not ensure an end to hostilities.”
In a conversation with Al Jazeera, Basem Naim revealed that although Hamas gave a “favorable reaction” to the recent plan introduced by US envoy Steve Witkoff, it diverged considerably from an earlier agreement reached just seven days prior.
“A week ago, we found common ground with Mr. Witkoff on a specific framework and viewed it as a foundation for further talks,” naim explained. “Yet instead of receiving feedback on our agreed terms after his consultations with Israel, we were presented with an entirely different proposal unrelated to what was previously accepted.”
Earlier in the day, Hamas confirmed it had officially replied to witkoff’s initiative aimed at establishing a durable ceasefire, securing full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and enabling uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery.
The faction also underscored clauses involving the release of 10 living Israeli captives alongside 18 deceased Israelis’ remains in exchange for freeing an agreed number of Palestinian detainees.
US Envoy Dismisses Hamas’s Counteroffer
Steve Witkoff rejected Hamas’s response as “completely unacceptable,” urging them instead to adopt his framework as groundwork for immediate face-to-face negotiations. He stressed this strategy could result within days in a 60-day truce during which half of both living and deceased hostages would be returned home while laying groundwork for sincere peace talks moving forward.
Israeli Officials Criticize Hamas’s Position
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced Hamas’s approach as backward. Echoing Witkoff’s views, he reaffirmed Israel’s resolve to continue military operations focused on rescuing hostages and dismantling Hamas infrastructure.
The Worsening humanitarian Emergency: Hunger Deepens Across Gaza
The chances of achieving lasting peace seem increasingly distant amid growing hunger throughout Gaza.After more than two months under an almost complete blockade imposed by Israel-with only limited humanitarian aid allowed as mid-May-the entire population of roughly 2.4 million faces critical food shortages according to recent UN assessments.
A report published recently indicated that one in five Gazans was already suffering from severe malnutrition; now famine threatens all residents if current conditions persist without change.
World Food Programme Urges Immediate Halt To Fighting
The World Food Programme (WFP) has stockpiled enough provisions near Gaza’s borders capable of feeding everyone inside for two months but insists that only stopping hostilities can guarantee safe passage for aid deliveries reaching those most vulnerable.
A convoy carrying 77 trucks loaded primarily with flour was recently stopped due to desperate crowds attempting access-highlighting logistical difficulties amid ongoing conflict and scarcity challenges similar to trying to navigate thru stormy seas without proper navigation tools.
Tensions Mount Over Aid Distribution Efforts
The US- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) continues distributing assistance despite criticism from other groups accusing it of compromising neutrality principles by militarizing relief efforts. The Gaza Government Media Office reported at least ten Palestinians killed while attempting access during these distributions this week alone.
“We went to their new distribution site but left empty-handed,” recounted Layla al-Masri about her experience at GHF points.”Their claims about feeding Gazans are misleading-they neither provide food nor water.”
“There is no flour or bread left anywhere,” added displaced resident Abdel Qader Rabie. “Every attempt I make is met by hundreds fiercely competing; only those strong enough receive aid.”
Mysterious disappearances have also been reported near GHF locations; families are urgently appealing for international organizations such as ICRC and OCHA to investigate missing persons cases around areas like Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza-though Israeli authorities deny involvement or responsibility regarding these incidents.
Continued Airstrikes Trigger Massive Displacement Throughout Gaza
The Israeli military maintains its offensive against densely populated neighborhoods within Gaza City and northern districts where civil defense officials report approximately sixty homes destroyed over just two days alone.
Civilian Death Toll Rises amid Renewed Bombardments
This past Saturday saw reports confirming at least twenty fatalities caused by airstrikes across various parts of Gaza-bringing total deaths since March when Israel ended its unilateral ceasefire above 4,000 Palestinians despite widespread global condemnation against renewed violence targeting civilians directly involved or caught up between factions engaged in this prolonged conflict.
Largest Evacuations Since Conflict Escalation Ordered By Military Authorities
Soon after midnight Friday into early Saturday morning came evacuation orders demanding all residents vacate southern Khan Younis along with Bani Suheila and Abasan following alleged rocket launches originating there earlier according to official statements issued by spokesperson Avichay Adraee who warned aggressive strikes would target any location used for unfriendly activities going forward.
The southern region has repeatedly been designated high-risk combat zones due both previous public warnings plus ongoing military operations specifically targeting militant infrastructure embedded among civilian populations.
Accordingly,nearly 200 thousand people have fled their homes within just two weeks alone , encompassing northernmost governorates through southern extremities plus eastern sectors spanning intermediate districts per UN displacement tracking data released recently reflecting unprecedented internal migration pressures caused directly by intensified bombardments combined with forced evacuations ordered unilaterally without option shelter arrangements provided thus far.
