Hamas has followed Israel in rejecting President Joe Biden's efforts to halt the war in Gaza. The conflicting demands from both sides highlight a significant challenge as each party insists on fulfilling its own conditions for a permanent ceasefire before even considering a pause in hostilities. According to a statement from Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan, they are awaiting a clear commitment from Israel regarding a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from Gaza.

This development comes shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his position that Hamas's political and military capabilities must be dismantled before any cessation of the conflict can occur. The stance taken by Netanyahu reflects a longstanding Israeli policy toward Hamas, which Israel considers a terrorist organization. At the same time, senior officials from the Biden administration are urging Hamas to accept a peace proposal they claim has Israel’s backing, illustrating the complex dynamics at play as both U.S. and regional powers seek to de-escalate the situation.

The ongoing exchanges and entrenched positions of both sides suggest that a resolution remains far off, as mutual distrust continues to fuel the conflict. With Hamas demanding specific assurances from Israel, and Netanyahu reinforcing his hardline approach, the prospects for a peaceful resolution in the near term appear increasingly bleak. The situation calls for intensive diplomacy to bridge the gaps between the expectations of both parties and to facilitate any potential progress toward a ceasefire.