• Hamas rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan, demanding broader concessions, including a permanent truce and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
• Israeli officials blame Hamas for ongoing violence, citing their refusal to disarm or release hostages.
• Despite optimism from President Trump, major obstacles remain, including disagreements over hostage exchanges and ceasefire terms.

Hamas has rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal brokered by President Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, calling the framework “unacceptable” and countering with demands that critics say prioritize militant interests over peace. The rejection intensifies the ongoing war in Gaza, leaving American diplomacy in limbo while Israeli officials accuse Hamas of prolonging violence.

Hamas Rejects Key Ceasefire Deal

The proposal, approved by Israel and presented to Hamas on Thursday, outlined a 60-day truce during which Hamas would release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 bodies held in Gaza. Despite initial signs of deliberation, Hamas responded Saturday with demands for a permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian aid, and an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Hamas also proposed swapping hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a condition Israeli officials have not agreed to. Witkoff, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), blasted the militant group’s response as a step backward, urging Hamas to accept the deal. “This proposal is the only way to secure a ceasefire and bring half of the living hostages and deceased home to their families,” Witkoff asserted.

Israeli Officials: Hamas to Blame for Continued Violence

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar didn’t mince words on Saturday, laying the blame squarely on Hamas for the ongoing bloodshed. “Hamas launched this terrorist attack, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 250 hostages, and they are responsible for its continuation by refusing to disarm or release hostages,” Sa’ar stated. He called on Western powers like France and the UK to pressure Hamas rather than criticize Israel’s defense efforts.

Sa’ar’s statement follows reports that Hamas attacked southern Israel in a brutal assault earlier this month, sparking international outrage and plunging the region into deeper conflict.

Trump: Ceasefire Close Despite Obstacles

In a rare optimistic note, President Donald Trump suggested on Friday that a ceasefire could still be within reach. Speaking to reporters, he noted that Hamas and Israel were “very close” to an agreement. However, Hamas’s demands for U.S. guarantees, changes to the hostage release timeline, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces remain major sticking points.

What’s Next for U.S. Diplomacy?

Witkoff has called for “substantive, good-faith negotiations” to reach a long-term solution, but Hamas’s refusal to accept the current proposal could derail progress. For now, tensions remain high, and the possibility of meaningful peace seems distant.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Key Takeaways:

• Hamas rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire framework approved by Israel, demanding broader concessions.
• Israeli officials blame Hamas for prolonging violence and insist on pressuring the militant group.
• President Trump remains optimistic, but U.S. diplomacy faces significant hurdles.

The U.S. role in brokering peace is crucial, but critics argue that Hamas’s unreasonable demands undermine the process. With lives hanging in the balance, the next steps will determine whether a truce can be reached—or if the conflict deepens further.

We want to hear from you! What do you think of Hamas’s rejection of the U.S.-backed ceasefire plan? Share your thoughts below and Follow The Dupree Report On WhatsApp for the latest updates.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10