On Sunday, leaders of Hamas dismissed a cease-fire proposal that was discussed last week, which had raised hopes among mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar that an agreement might be imminent.

“Following a briefing from the mediators regarding the previous discussions in Doha, we have once again reached the conclusion that (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu continues to create barriers toward achieving an agreement,” stated Hamas. The group accused the Israeli prime minister of “introducing new conditions to undermine the mediators’ efforts and extend the conflict.”

The Biden administration is working to reconcile differences between Israeli and Hamas officials regarding border management, the status of Israeli hostages, and the release of security prisoners, as well as the future governance of Gaza. On Friday, President Joe Biden remarked that the parties were “closer than ever” to a potential agreement.

Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that remnants of Hamas must not have any role in Gaza’s future, a position that Hamas has categorically rejected. Any shift from Netanyahu on this issue could endanger his weak coalition with Israel’s far-right factions and threaten his role as prime minister.

Hamas’s statement indicated that the new proposal aligned with Netanyahu’s conditions that ruled out a lasting cease-fire and a total withdrawal from Gaza. Additionally, it noted that Netanyahu introduced new demands in the proposed prisoner exchange.

Earlier that day, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s uncompromising stance on certain conditions.

“We are in negotiations, not simply conceding,” Netanyahu emphasized in a social media post.

Recent Updates:

∎ Netanyahu accused Hamas of avoiding negotiations, pointing out that they did not send a representative to Doha. He stated that international pressure to reach a deal should focus on Hamas rather than the Israeli government.

∎ The Prime Minister issued a warning to Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which have vowed to retaliate against recent assassinations in their regions, asserting that Israel is ready to confront any threats and will “inflict a significant cost on any enemy that dares to attack us.”

Blinken Advocating for Cease-Fire Agreement

Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a return visit to Israel on Sunday, bringing with him a “bridging proposal” aimed at establishing a cease-fire in Gaza, securing the release of all hostages, facilitating humanitarian aid distribution across Gaza, and fostering broader regional stability.

The Times of Israel, citing informed sources regarding the discussions, reported that the proposal does not allow for a continued Israeli presence along the Gaza-Egypt border nor does it ensure a complete prevention against the return of armed Hamas factions to Gaza, both of which are crucial to Netanyahu’s demands. Reports indicate that Hamas has informed negotiators that they will not concur with a deal that includes these conditions.

Blinken will also emphasize the essential need for all parties involved in the region to avoid escalation or any actions that could hinder the finalization of an agreement, according to his office’s statement.