Following a security discussion conducted yesterday (Wednesday) by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the negotiation team and security chiefs, Hamas rejected the Israeli proposal that had been delivered via Egyptian mediators.
The Israeli Proposal
The offer repeated Israel’s longstanding core demands: the release of at least 10 hostages, including Idan Alexander, an American-Israeli dual citizen, and the return of 16 bodies of fallen hostages, in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire.
“Time to Open the Gates of Hell”
In response to Hamas rejecting the ceasefire and hostage deal, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of the Security Cabinet, said: “The State of Israel will not surrender to Hamas and will not end the war without total victory—including the destruction of Hamas and the return of all the hostages.”
He continued: “It’s time to open the gates of hell on Hamas, to deepen the fighting until the full conquest of Gaza, the elimination of Hamas, and the implementation of President Trump’s plan for voluntary emigration of Gazans for rehabilitation in other countries.”
Smotrich addressed Netanyahu directly: “Mr. Prime Minister—go ahead. Give the order.”
Will Egypt Increase the Pressure?
Hamas, in its rejection statement, claimed the proposal was unacceptable. Senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya stated: “Netanyahu’s demands are impossible. We are ready to release all the captives in exchange for prisoners—but only if the war ends completely and Israel withdraws from Gaza.”
Israeli diplomatic officials believe that Egypt may increase pressure on Hamas in an attempt to advance a deal and strengthen its relationship with the Trump administration. However, officials acknowledge that major gaps remain between the sides.
