Hamas Proposes Truce, Shifts Blame to Israel as Ceasefire Talks Drag On
Executive Summary
Hamas has unveiled a detailed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, calling for a permanent end to hostilities, Israeli military withdrawal, humanitarian access, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange. The plan, which also includes a five-year truce and technocratic governance for Gaza, was presented as a serious diplomatic gesture. However, Hamas blames Israel for rejecting the deal and continuing military escalation. With ceasefire talks ongoing in Cairo, both sides remain entrenched in demands, particularly over disarmament. Meanwhile, civilian casualties mount in Gaza, and mediators express cautious optimism about progress.
Analysis
On April 17, Hamas publicly detailed its Gaza ceasefire proposal, presenting what it described as a “comprehensive and balanced” plan. The terms include a permanent halt to Israeli military operations, a full withdrawal of forces from the Gaza Strip, the lifting of the blockade, and unfettered access for humanitarian aid. The proposal also calls for a long-term truce of five years, to be guaranteed by regional and international actors, and for the establishment of a neutral administrative committee composed of technocrats to govern Gaza.
Central to the offer is a one-time comprehensive prisoner exchange: all Israeli captives for an agreed number of Palestinian detainees. However, Hamas insists that no hostages will be released until Israel commits to ending the war—something Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu categorically refuses to do.
Despite Hamas presenting this as a good-faith effort, it simultaneously launched a barrage of accusations at Israel. Senior Hamas official Abdel Rahman Shadid said that Tel Aviv has “fragmented” the negotiation process and refuses to commit to a full ceasefire, opting instead to continue policies of “killing, starvation, and destruction”—even at the cost of its own captives.
While Hamas asserts that it has shown flexibility and accepted mediation efforts from Egypt and Qatar, it also maintained that it will not disarm—a critical Israeli demand. Israel has not formally responded to Hamas’ recent proposal but continues to stress its objective of destroying Hamas’ military infrastructure entirely.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Aid is blocked at crossings, civilians face starvation, and airstrikes reportedly killed over two dozen people within 24 hours earlier this week. Hamas accuses Israel of using food and medicine as tools of “political blackmail,” while Israel argues that Hamas is misusing equipment to support military operations.
In parallel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem have seen escalated clashes and repression, with Hamas praising ongoing “resistance operations” and warning of attempts to alter the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Diplomatic sources have offered some signs of hope. Egyptian and Qatari mediators reportedly believe the Cairo talks are near a “significant breakthrough,” though no official statement has been issued by either Hamas or Israel. Hamas’ willingness to hand over Gaza governance to another Palestinian body—including possibly the Palestinian Authority—signals pragmatic movement, but Netanyahu has firmly rejected any PA involvement.
In international forums, Hamas continues to call for intensified global pressure on Israel, including economic sanctions, boycott measures, and prosecution of Israeli officials for war crimes. It praised Spain’s suspension of arms exports to Israel and condemned recent naval actions against aid ships as piracy.
With over 52,000 Palestinians killed since the October 2023 escalation, and Israel still holding out for unconditional hostage release, the gap between demands remains vast. Though the tone of talks has shifted toward cautious optimism, a durable resolution still appears elusive as both sides stick to non-negotiable positions.
