US Rejects Hamas's Ceasefire Demands as Unrealistic
The US government has dismissed Hamas's demands as "entirely impractical," accusing the group of delaying a deal to release a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for extending the Gaza ceasefire. The Trump administration, through envoy Steve Witkoff and the national security council, warned Hamas that time is not on their side and reiterated Trump's threat that Hamas would face severe consequences if hostages are not released.
Recently, Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas to release the hostages, but it remains unclear which deadline the latest statement refers to. The US has seemingly ignored an offer from Hamas to release Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier captured during a surprise attack in October 2023, along with the remains of four other Israeli-Americans.
The US's firm stance has dashed hopes for progress in ongoing indirect negotiations in Qatar over the fragile Gaza ceasefire, though it aligns with the Israeli government's position. The initial ceasefire phase, which began in January, ended nearly two weeks ago. Hamas has urged Israel to implement the second phase, meant to permanently end the conflict, but Israel has requested an extension of the first phase, leaving room for potential future military action.
Witkoff has proposed extending the first phase of the truce to mid-April if Hamas releases living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The US has insisted that Edan Alexander must be released immediately as part of this "bridge" proposal.
Following Hamas's statement, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office expressed that Israel had accepted the Witkoff plan and shown flexibility, but accused Hamas of refusing to change its stance and using psychological tactics to disrupt negotiations. Netanyahu plans to meet with his ministerial team to discuss further actions for hostage release.
Netanyahu has resisted a permanent end to the Gaza conflict, partly due to domestic politics, but values maintaining strong ties with the US. After over 16 months of indirect talks mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, Washington has recently begun direct discussions with Hamas to secure the release of US citizens taken during the attack on Israel.
Hamas captured 251 hostages and killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, during its raid. Trump has warned of severe repercussions if the remaining 58 hostages in Gaza are not freed, though fewer than half are believed to be alive.
In a bid to pressure Hamas, Israel has cut off supplies to Gaza, including electricity. The Israeli military offensive displaced nearly all of Gaza's population, resulting in 48,500 deaths, mainly civilians, and widespread destruction.
The initial six-week ceasefire phase allowed for the exchange of 25 living Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others for about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. It also facilitated the delivery of essential food, shelter, and medical supplies to Gaza.
The Israeli government has been tight-lipped about the direct US-Hamas talks, issuing only a brief acknowledgment. However, reports suggest Israel was surprised to learn of the US envoy's discussions with a senior Hamas official in Doha.