A diplomatic source familiar with the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas has confirmed that Hamas has rejected the latest proposal in talks to reach a suspension to the hostilities in Gaza.
In its response to the mediators, Hamas “reaffirmed [its] position” on the unrestricted right of Gazans to return north to their homes and the redeployment of Israeli troops away from central Gaza. These are demands that Hamas has stuck to and Israel has resisted.
In addition, the diplomat said, Hamas continues to argue that the second phase of an agreement should conclude with a permanent end to the fighting. Israel has shown no willingness to discuss an end to the war.
CNN has previously reported that the latest discussions in the Egyptian capital of Cairo included a new proposal from the US that Israel releases some 900 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the 40 Israeli hostages expected in the first phase of a ceasefire deal.
Hamas has “signaled they are willing to discuss it positively once the other issues are addressed,” the diplomat said.