Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Sep 4: Hopes for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict were dashed once again as Israel flatly rejected a new proposal from Hamas that aimed to bring an end to the months-long war. The Israeli government signaled it would press ahead with plans for a major military operation in Gaza City, despite international calls for de-escalation.

In a statement released Wednesday, Hamas reaffirmed its willingness to agree to a "comprehensive deal", which would include the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for a negotiated number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The proposal also outlined a permanent ceasefire, full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the reopening of border crossings to facilitate humanitarian aid, and the launch of reconstruction efforts in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Hamas further supported the idea of an independent technocratic administration to manage Gaza's civil affairs, aiming to separate governance from militant operations.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the offer as mere “spin,” reiterating that Israel would only consider ending the war under stringent conditions. According to a statement from his office, Israel’s demands include:

• Complete Israeli security control over Gaza
• Full disarmament of Hamas and the Gaza Strip
• Formation of a non-Palestinian governing authority in Gaza
• Unconditional release of all hostages

Echoing the prime minister’s stance, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that the Israeli military is continuing preparations “at full strength” for an imminent assault on Gaza City. He issued a stern warning to Hamas: “They will soon understand they must choose—either accept Israel’s conditions, including disarmament and the release of hostages, or face the same destruction seen in Rafah and Beit Hanoun.”

Tensions around the stalled negotiations have been mounting. Last month, Hamas had agreed to a Qatar-brokered ceasefire framework, but Israel did not respond or put it forward for cabinet discussion. While Netanyahu recently hinted at openness to a broader deal, he simultaneously emphasized that no such agreement was on the immediate horizon.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens and diplomatic efforts falter, the situation remains highly volatile, with both sides standing firm on their conflicting demands.