Ceasefire in Jeopardy: Hamas Rejects Israel's New Conditions

Hamas rejected new conditions put forward by Israel for a ceasefire, insisting only on a previously agreed deal. This development casts doubt on ending the 10-month-old war. Israel and Hamas continue to blame each other for the impasse, as tensions escalate further in the region.

Hamas has firmly rejected the 'new conditions' put forth by Israel for a ceasefire, standing by the deal agreed on July 2, reported CNN. The Hamas delegation departed Cairo on Sunday evening after engaging with mediators for renewed discussions.

This development further complicates the prospects of breaking the deadlock in the US-supported initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing 10-month conflict. Hamas demands adherence to the agreement from July 2, which aligns with President Biden's speech and a Security Council resolution, stated Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas political bureau.

Al-Rishq emphasized that any settlement must include 'a permanent ceasefire, complete Gaza Strip withdrawal, the right of return for residents, relief, and reconstruction, and a comprehensive exchange deal.' According to senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan, Israel has introduced new terms, such as repositioning troops in the Philadelphi corridor and non-Palestinian management of the Rafah crossing, further hindering progress.

Blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas accused Israel of not taking the ceasefire discussions seriously and introducing 'new demands.' Netanyahu insists the conflict will persist until a 'total victory' over Hamas is achieved, despite dissent from top Israeli officials and families of captives.

The conflict escalated following a massive terror attack by Hamas on October 7 last year, resulting in 1200 Israeli deaths and over 250 hostages taken, with over 100 still in captivity. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has faced criticism for high civilian casualties, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported dead by the Gaza Health Ministry.

Earlier, the Israeli military reported airstrikes destroying Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels, intensifying tensions with Lebanon. Amidst the escalating conflict, Israel declared a 48-hour emergency on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies.)