Hamas Denies Receipt of Trump’s Ceasefire Plan Amid Escalating Assault

Hamas has publicly stated that it has not received the ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump as Israeli forces intensify their military operations in Gaza City. This announcement follows reports from the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which suggested that Hamas had agreed in principle to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops.

According to Haaretz, the proposed plan also calls for the end of Hamas governance in Gaza, along with Israel’s commitment not to annex the territory or expel the Palestinian population. In a statement to Reuters, a Hamas official, who requested anonymity, confirmed, “Hamas has not been presented with any plan.”

During a press conference on Friday, Trump hinted at a potential agreement concerning Gaza but did not provide specific details or a timeline. No official response from Israel regarding Trump’s comments has been made public as of yet.

Upcoming Meeting Between Trump and Netanyahu

On March 4, 2024, Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads a hard-right coalition that opposes any ceasefire until Hamas is dismantled. Trump mentioned that discussions regarding Gaza with Middle Eastern leaders are ongoing and are expected to continue as necessary. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicated that proposals have been shared with various Muslim-majority countries, including a comprehensive 21-point peace plan for the Middle East.

As the political discussions progress, clashes in Gaza persist. The Israeli military reported conducting airstrikes on 120 targets within the strip over the last day. The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that 74 individuals were killed in Gaza within the past 24 hours.

Humanitarian Crisis Escalates

The ongoing conflict has led to significant displacement, with the UN World Food Programme estimating that approximately 350,000 to 400,000 Palestinians have fled their homes since Israel intensified its ground offensive in Gaza City a few weeks ago. Despite this, many remain trapped in increasingly dangerous conditions.

Medical facilities in Gaza are under severe strain. Doctors Without Borders announced on Friday that it has had to suspend its operations in Gaza City, citing encirclement by Israeli forces. The organization expressed deep concern for vulnerable populations, including infants receiving neonatal care and patients with life-threatening conditions who are unable to evacuate.

The World Health Organization has reported that four health facilities in Gaza City have been closed this month alone, with some malnutrition centers also shutting down.

Since the conflict escalated nearly two years ago, following a Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251, Israeli forces have reportedly killed over 65,000 Palestinians in the enclave. This ongoing violence has led to a collapse of the health system, with some analysts suggesting that parts of Gaza are experiencing famine conditions. Multiple human rights experts have characterized Israel’s actions during the conflict as amounting to genocide, a claim Israel firmly denies, asserting that its military actions are in self-defense.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community watches closely, amid rising calls for humanitarian assistance and a resolution to the ongoing conflict.