Hamas Evaluates Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal Amidst Israeli Rejection

On Wednesday, Hamas announced it was assessing a ceasefire proposal described as "final" by U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing its demand for Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his intent to eliminate Hamas altogether, reaffirming a hardline stance following what he termed a productive collaboration with Trump and U.S. officials.

Hamas indicated that it was considering various ceasefire proposals, particularly those facilitated by Egypt and Qatar. However, the organization maintained that any agreement must guarantee an end to the ongoing conflict along with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region.

Netanyahu, in his first public comments since Trump's suggestion, strongly emphasized that there would be no existence of Hamas or a territory exclusively for them. He conveyed a clear message during a meeting focused on infrastructure projects, stating that the era of Hamas was coming to an end.

The remarks from both Hamas and Israel reflect deep-rooted viewpoints, offering little indication of a potential compromise. Many residents of Gaza expressed a mix of hope and skepticism regarding Trump's announcement, with some longing for a temporary respite from violence while others voiced concerns about the feasibility of a lasting peace deal based on past experiences.