Hamas Likely to Reject Latest Hostage Deal Offer Despite Ongoing Talks

By Yoni Weiss

Hamas signaled its likely rejection of the latest offer regarding a hostage deal, despite ongoing negotiations. On Wednesday, Osama Hamdan, a Hamas official based in Lebanon, conveyed the group’s negative stance on the proposed deal to the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar news channel. However, Hamas clarified that this refusal doesn’t halt negotiations, indicating a continued exchange of proposals.

Reportedly, Hamas intends to present a revised proposal on Thursday, distinct from the one brokered by Qatari, Egyptian, and American intermediaries. Uncertainty looms over Israel’s response, considering its prior flexibility in agreeing to release certain hostages in an earlier phase.

Hamas’s opposition to the current offer stems from its belief that it doesn’t adequately address the cessation of hostilities, according to an Arab diplomat cited by The Times of Israel. The proposed deal outlines a temporary ceasefire during the initial six-week phase, which Hamas finds insufficient.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told visiting Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Israel plans a significant military operation in Rafah, irrespective of the hostage negotiations’ outcome. Hamas warns of walking away from talks if Israel proceeds with the operation.

Blinken reiterated the Biden administration’s stance, placing the responsibility for impeding the hostage deal on Hamas. He emphasized Israel’s willingness to compromise and urged Hamas to act swiftly in the interest of Gaza’s populace. However, he expressed opposition to a large-scale IDF invasion in Rafah without a robust plan to protect civilians.

Although Israel’s negotiating team endorsed the deal that Hamas appears poised to reject, it remains uncertain whether Netanyahu’s government would ultimately approve it.