Why Did Israel Reject the Five-Year Truce Proposal with Hamas?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Israel has officially rejected a five-year ceasefire proposal.
- The proposal included the release of all Israeli hostages in Gaza.
- Israeli officials fear a truce would enable Hamas to rearm.
- Renewed attacks have resulted in thousands of casualties in Gaza.
- Current hostages include those captured during the October 7 assault.
Jerusalem, April 28 (NationPress) Israel has turned down a proposal for a five-year ceasefire with Hamas, which included the release of all Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza, as reported by Israel's state broadcaster Kan on Monday.
A senior Israeli official confirmed to local media that Israel has officially declined the proposal, according to Kan.
"Certain Arab nations have suggested ideas, including a five-year cessation of hostilities," the official stated. "However, there is absolutely no possibility that we will consent to a 'hudna' (temporary truce) with Hamas, which would merely allow them to rebuild their arsenal and continue their aggression against the State of Israel with even more intensity," reported Xinhua news agency.
On Saturday, a delegation from Hamas, led by senior figure Khalil al-Hayya, accepted in Cairo the terms to release all Israeli hostages in return for a five-year truce, according to an Egyptian security source.
The most recent swap of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees occurred under a ceasefire that began in January. Israel terminated this ceasefire in March, after a duration of about two months, and resumed its military actions in the Palestinian territory.
The ongoing Israeli offensives have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 2,222 Palestinians and injuries to 5,751 others, according to Gaza health authorities on Monday. The total death toll in the enclave since the onset of the conflict in October 2023 has reached 52,314, with 117,792 wounded.
Israeli authorities indicate that 59 hostages are still in Gaza, including 58 of the 251 captured by Hamas during its assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The Israeli military has verified that at least 35 of the hostages currently held are believed to be deceased.