Hamas and Israel clash over ceasefire deal amid Gaza strikes
Progress has stalled in negotiations to halt the Gaza conflict and secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, after Palestinian officials reported over 100 deaths from intensified IDF airstrikes over the weekend.
A Hamas official stated that the group had approved a list of 34 captives to be freed as part of a potential ceasefire agreement.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office rejected the claim, asserting that no such list had been provided. Later on Sunday the Hamas official shared the list with Reuters, emphasizing the group's willingness to negotiate.
The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and US officials, aim to end the 15-month conflict before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
Israeli negotiators resumed discussions in Doha on Friday, but stark disagreements remain.
“The occupation continues to be obstinate,” the Hamas official told Reuters, noting disagreements over a ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
The conflict escalated dramatically this weekend, with heavy airstrikes in Gaza. Palestinian health officials reported 105 deaths, including multiple casualties from strikes on homes, police stations, and refugee camps.
The Israeli military stated it had targeted over 100 locations, claiming to have killed dozens of Hamas militants and destroyed rocket launch sites. It also announced the death of an Islamic Jihad militant involved in the cross-border that initiated the conflict.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages to Gaza.
In response, Israel began its military campaign against Gaza, which has resulted in widespread destruction and massive loss of life. Gaza’s health authorities have reported over 45,800 Palestinian deaths.
Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that the conflict will not end until Hamas is completely eliminated. The US State Department has called for Israel to better protect civilians, while reaffirming its right to self-defense.
