Israel has dismissed Hamas’ statement claiming the armed group is ready for a “comprehensive deal” to end the Gaza war and release all hostages.
“This is more spin by Hamas that has nothing new,” said the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel insists the conflict will only end once the 48 hostages—20 of whom are believed alive—are released, Hamas is disarmed, Gaza is demilitarized, Israel has security control, and an alternative civilian administration is established.
Hamas has reiterated its proposal, calling for:
- Hostage exchange for Palestinian prisoners
- Withdrawal of Israeli forces
- Reopening of border crossings
- Start of reconstruction efforts
The group also expressed willingness for an independent technocratic administration to govern post-war Gaza.
The statement came hours after US President Donald Trump demanded via social media that Hamas immediately release all 20 hostages, warning that it would “end rapidly” if they complied.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas must choose between accepting Israel’s terms or seeing Gaza “become the equivalent of Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” which have been largely flattened by Israeli strikes. The military is reportedly preparing in full force for a potential offensive to capture Gaza City.
Hostages’ families expressed grave concern that an Israeli offensive would endanger both living and deceased captives and urged immediate negotiations to secure their release.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain critical, with the UN warning of catastrophic consequences for displaced civilians. Since 14 August, over 82,000 people have been newly displaced, many living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.
Israeli attacks on Gaza have intensified in recent days, targeting the outskirts of Gaza City, a declared Hamas stronghold. At least 23 Palestinians were killed in the city on Thursday, with additional casualties reported across the territory.
The conflict began on 7 October 2023, when a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. According to Hamas-run health authorities, at least 64,231 people have died in Gaza since the start of hostilities, including 370 deaths from malnutrition and starvation.
