Negotiations for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza are at a standstill after Israel presented new demands for Hamas to disarm, offering only a temporary pause in hostilities. 

This latest proposal comes as the death toll in Gaza nears 51,000.

Israel submitted the proposal on Monday through Egyptian and Qatari mediators, suggesting a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 11 Israeli captives held by Hamas. 

Hamas, however, expressed strong opposition to Israel’s demands, emphasizing that it would not disarm as long as occupation continues. 

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated that the request to disarm was "unacceptable" and referred to it as a “daydream” that could never be achieved.

Hamas has demanded that Israel end the war and withdraw its forces from Gaza in return for the release of all remaining captives. Despite this, Israeli proposals have focused on military and territorial objectives, with no clear political solution. 

Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh pointed out that, given Israel’s plans to forcibly expel Palestinians from Gaza, no Palestinian group would consider disarming in such a context.

The most recent round of talks, held in Cairo on Monday, ended without significant progress toward a permanent ceasefire. Since Israel resumed its offensive in March, more than 1,500 Palestinians have been killed, with the Gaza Health Ministry confirming that over 50,000 people have died. 

The humanitarian situation continues to worsen as Gaza faces a complete blockade, leaving the region in a state of siege.

Source: Al Jazeera 

BDST: 1148 HRS, April 15, 2025
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