Hamas Reviews Egypt and Qatar Ceasefire Proposal, Demands Full Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza

Hamas is currently reviewing a new ceasefire proposal presented by mediators Egypt and Qatar, which aims to end nearly nine months of devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip. The proposal includes a phased truce, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid. However, Hamas has made it clear that any agreement must include a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

The latest diplomatic push comes amid growing international pressure to halt the fighting, which has left tens of thousands dead, displaced over a million people, and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.

Key Points of the Ceasefire Plan
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the proposed agreement includes several critical components:

Immediate Ceasefire: An initial halt to all hostilities on both sides.

Hostage and Prisoner Exchange: A phased release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in return for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Humanitarian Access: Increased aid deliveries to Gaza, including food, medicine, fuel, and medical evacuations.

Reconstruction Efforts: A longer-term plan for rebuilding Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, to be coordinated with international agencies.

Security Arrangements: Potential involvement of international actors to monitor the ceasefire and ensure stability during the transitional period.

Hamas’ Conditions: Israeli Withdrawal Is Non-Negotiable
Hamas leaders have stated that they are carefully studying the offer, but insist that a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza is a non-negotiable condition for any final agreement.

“A ceasefire must lead to an end of the occupation,” said a senior Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We will not agree to any arrangement that allows Israeli forces to remain in our land.”

Hamas has repeatedly emphasized that it views Israeli withdrawal as essential for Palestinian sovereignty and long-term peace.

Israel’s Stance: Ongoing Military Objectives
The Israeli government has not publicly responded to the new proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israel will continue military operations until Hamas is dismantled as a political and military entity.

“The mission is not over,” Netanyahu stated in a recent address. “We will not leave Gaza until we ensure that Hamas can never again threaten our people.”

Israeli officials remain concerned that any premature withdrawal could allow Hamas to rearm and reassert control over Gaza.

International Pressure Mounts for Ceasefire Deal
The United States, European Union, and United Nations have all expressed strong support for the Egypt-Qatar initiative. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the efforts of both countries and urged the parties to make the "difficult but necessary compromises" to achieve peace.

“The humanitarian cost is too high,” said Blinken. “Now is the time to silence the guns and focus on rebuilding lives.”

Egypt and Qatar, both experienced mediators in past Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, have reportedly been working closely with U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies to shape the framework for the current proposal.

Author: Global Ripple

Posted on: July 03, 2025