Hamas is considering a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal as Israel escalates its military offensive in Gaza, increasing pressure on the group to release hostages. The latest proposal, presented by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through early April, but disagreements between the warring sides have stalled progress.
Ceasefire Collapses Amid Renewed Fighting
The fragile truce, which had held for nearly two months, collapsed on Tuesday when Israel launched fresh air and ground assaults across Gaza. The renewed violence followed Hamas’ rejection of Israel’s demand to prolong the initial phase of the ceasefire without committing to a full withdrawal from Gaza.
Israel has justified its military escalation by accusing Hamas of refusing to negotiate in good faith. Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have intensified in the past three days, with the Hamas-run Government Media Office reporting nearly 600 Palestinian deaths and more than a thousand injuries since fighting resumed.
Hamas’ Stance on Ceasefire Proposal
In a statement on Friday, Hamas confirmed that it is still reviewing the U.S. proposal. The group insists on adhering to a previously agreed-upon timeline that would transition into a second phase, requiring Israel to commit to ending the war. However, Israel has opposed this, seeking instead to extend the ceasefire’s first phase.
Khaled Meshaal, a senior Hamas official, accused Israel of attempting to manipulate negotiations by securing the release of hostages without fulfilling obligations for a lasting ceasefire. “Israel wants to retrieve hostages while avoiding the next phase of the deal, which includes a full withdrawal from Gaza,” Meshaal said.
Israel Expands Military Operations
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has ordered the Israeli military to seize more territory in Gaza and evacuate civilians, stating that the land seizures would be “permanent” unless Hamas releases all hostages. “The more Hamas continues its refusal, the more territory it will lose,” Katz warned.
The Israeli military has launched a ground operation in Rafah, where more than 100 civilians—most of them women and children—have been killed, according to the city’s municipal authorities. Israeli forces have also intensified pressure on civilians, with reports of forced evacuations and restricted access to humanitarian aid.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
The escalation has drawn condemnation from humanitarian organizations, with UNICEF reporting that Wednesday’s death toll marked “one of the largest single-day child casualties in the past year.” The United Nations and other international bodies have urged both sides to return to negotiations and avoid further civilian suffering.
Egypt, a key mediator in ceasefire talks, has criticized Israel for violating the agreement. Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallaf described Israel’s actions as a “blatant violation” and accused it of pursuing an “isolationist policy” that contradicts global efforts to end the war.
Uncertain Path Forward
The U.S.-backed ceasefire plan remains under discussion, with Hamas stating that it is considering “various ideas” to secure a prisoner exchange, end hostilities, and ensure Israel’s withdrawal. However, with Israel ramping up military operations and Hamas demanding stronger guarantees, a breakthrough remains uncertain.
As international pressure mounts, the possibility of a prolonged conflict looms, raising concerns over further humanitarian devastation in Gaza.
