Hamas rejects Israeli proposal

Hamas has preemptively rejected a new Israeli proposal for a hostage release and ceasefire deal without reviewing its contents, a move that Israeli officials have described as 'bizarre'. The proposal, which has not yet been disclosed to Hamas, reportedly fails to meet their demands for an unconditional return of displaced Gazans and a significant exchange of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli officials have expressed confusion over Hamas' stance, noting that the terms had not been communicated to them prior to the rejection. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to emphasize Israel's military operations against Hamas while pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages. The ongoing negotiations, facilitated by Egypt and the U.S., struggle with mutual distrust and conflicting demands, highlighting the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict. As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, with critical implications for both hostages and civilians in the region.