The Hamas-run Palestinian Authority said on Wednesday it would not accept a ceasefire with Israel unless it was “comprehensive,” while rescue workers said at least 26 people had been killed in Israeli air strikes on Gaza amid a growing humanitarian crisis.
Hamas insists on ‘comprehensive’ deal to end Gaza war
A two-month truce in the war was broken in March when Israel resumed intense strikes and imposed a total blockade on Palestinian territory.
Israel is demanding the return of all hostages captured during Hamas’ unprecedented attack in October 2023, as well as the disarmament of Hamas, which the group rejects as a “red line.”
Hamas has consistently demanded that the ceasefire agreement lead to an end to the war, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and increased humanitarian aid.
“Hamas and the resistance factions insist on reaching a comprehensive agreement and a full package to end the war and aggression, along with a roadmap for the day after,” political bureau member Bassem Naim told AFP Wednesday.
“There are desperate attempts ahead of (US President Donald) Trump’s visit to the region… to force through a partial deal that would return some Israeli captives in exchange for a limited number of days of food and water — without any guarantees from any party to actually end the war,” he said.
Trump is due to arrive in the Persian Gulf next week for talks with the heads of influential monarchies.
This week, Israel has been widely condemned for its plans to expand its offensive in the Gaza Strip, which, according to one official, will result in the “conquest” of Palestinian territory.
Trump claims three more hostages dead, but Israel insists 24 still alive
US President Donald Trump said that three more hostages have been killed by the Hamas group in the Gaza Strip. According to him, only 21 hostages remain alive.
“Only 21 hostages remain alive. A week ago there were 24, but now only 21 are alive. Three have died,” he said during a briefing with reporters at the White House.
Trump’s figures contradict official Israeli statistics, which were confirmed shortly after the US leader’s statement by Gal Hirsch, the Israeli government’s hostage coordinator. His statement said that “Hamas is currently holding 59 hostages, 24 of who are on Israel’s list of living hostages and 35 on the list of hostages whose deaths have been officially confirmed.”
According to Israeli media sources, the discrepancy in the data may be due to the fact that Israel has information indicating the possible death of some hostages, but they continue to be considered alive until confirmation of their death is received.
Last week, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sara, mentioned that there were “fewer” hostages alive than the official statistics indicated.
