Hamas rejects latest proposal as hopes dim for cease-fire: Live updates [View all]

Source: USA Today

Hamas rejects latest proposal as hopes dim for cease-fire: Live updates

John Bacon
USA TODAY
Updated: 12:08 p.m. ET March 6, 2024

The latest cease-fire proposal for the Gaza Strip fails to meet crucial demands that Israel withdraw from the enclave and allow residents to return to their homes, Hamas said in a statement Wednesday that appeared to reject the plan.

The statement said Hamas was showing "flexibility" and would continue to negotiate through the mediators to reach an agreement that "achieves the demands and interests of our people."

The latest proposal calls for a six-week cease-fire, a sharp increase in humanitarian aid, release of the sick, wounded, elderly and female hostages as well as hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails, the White House said.

The U.S., Egypt and Qatar have scrambled to broker a deal ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which will start in a few days. But talks are underway in Cairo without Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to send a delegation until Hamas provides more information on the number of hostages still alive and their health status.

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Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/israel-hamas/2024/03/06/israel-hamas-war-gaza-live-updates/72863837007/