ISRAEL’S Bold Refusal: Gaza Ceasefire Deal Sparks Outrage and Hope
— Israel has rejected the latest Gaza ceasefire plan, which was brokered by the United States and backed by several Middle Eastern countries. The deal asked for a 70-day pause in fighting and a phased release of ten hostages, both living and deceased. Israeli leaders said these terms were “impossible for any responsible Israeli government to accept,” warning it would hand Hamas a victory without protecting Israel’s future.
A key problem was that Israel would have to pull its troops from important positions in Gaza as part of the hostage release. The plan also depended on more talks for additional hostages, something Israeli officials called risky and untrustworthy. They worried that increasing humanitarian aid during active fighting could be seen as rewarding Hamas.
Palestinian sources said Hamas first wanted a 90-day ceasefire, while U.S. negotiators suggested 60 days before everyone agreed on 70 days as a middle ground. Egypt also joined the talks, asking for more remains to be returned in any swap.
Even with pressure from other countries and warnings about life getting worse in Gaza, Israel’s leaders stayed focused on safety above all else. More negotiations are expected since both sides are still far apart on what they want.
