Israel and Hamas at Odds Over Ceasefire Proposal

 Talks for a ceasefire in Gaza have hit a roadblock, with Israel accusing Hamas of rejecting the latest proposal. However, Hamas maintains that it has responded positively, proposing amendments to the Israeli plan.

According to sources, Hamas submitted its response to Qatari mediators, suggesting changes to the Israeli proposal. These include a timeline for a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan stated that the group's response reaffirmed its commitment to a ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza, which it has consistently upheld. However, an Israeli official described Hamas' reaction as a "rejection" of the original deal.

Hamas leadership pushed back against this characterization, terming it an attempt by Israel to back out of the proposal. Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, said the group's response was "responsible, serious, and positive," and opened the way to reaching an agreement.

The ceasefire talks are being mediated by Qatar and Egypt, in coordination with the United States. The plan, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, envisions a six-week ceasefire during which hostages would be released and prisoners exchanged, leading to a permanent cessation of hostilities through negotiations.

While the White House has said Israel has accepted the proposal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced conflicting voices within his government. Some believe the ceasefire deal is the best way to secure the release of hostages, while his right-wing coalition partners want the war to continue.

The situation remains delicate, with both sides accusing the other of rejecting or attempting to evade the agreement. The mediators will continue their efforts to see if a compromise can be reached.