Israel Rejects Ceasefire, Continues Military Operations in Gaza

An Israeli government spokesperson announced on Sunday, October 5, that there is no ceasefire in effect in Gaza, only a temporary pause in specific bombing operations. Shosh Bedrosian stated that the Israeli military retains the right to continue its actions in Gaza for defensive reasons. This declaration follows Hamas’s acceptance of key elements from a United States peace plan that garnered Israeli support earlier.

Hamas agreed to several provisions outlined in the **20-point proposal**, which includes calls for ending hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees. However, important issues were left unresolved, particularly whether Hamas would agree to disarm, a critical demand from Israel to conclude the conflict.

Negotiations are set to take place in the Egyptian resort of **Sharm El-Sheikh**, where Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** expressed optimism about the potential for releasing hostages within days. Netanyahu instructed negotiators to finalize technical details in Egypt, while Cairo confirmed it would host a delegation from Hamas to discuss the specifics of the anticipated exchange.

According to Egyptian state-linked media, indirect discussions between the two parties are scheduled for Sunday and Monday, coinciding with the second anniversary of the **October 7 Hamas attack** that initiated the current conflict. The White House has also sent **Jared Kushner** and Middle East negotiator **Steve Witkoff** to Egypt to assist in diplomatic efforts.

A Palestinian source close to Hamas reported that the group is demanding a complete halt to Israeli military operations across the Gaza Strip, including air and drone activities, while also calling for a withdrawal from Gaza City. In return, Hamas stated it would cease its military operations, emphasizing a desire to quickly establish the hostage-prisoner exchange framework.

The U.S. peace plan suggests that Israel would release **250 Palestinian prisoners** serving life sentences, along with over **1,700 detainees** arrested in the Gaza Strip following the events of October 7, 2023. Former President **Donald Trump** warned Hamas against delaying the agreement, urging them to expedite the process or face severe consequences. Trump indicated that an initial withdrawal line had been proposed to Hamas, stating that once confirmed, a ceasefire would be immediately activated.

Despite calls from Trump for a cessation of Israeli strikes, military operations have continued. Footage from **AFPTV** captured thick smoke rising from Gaza City on Sunday, following reports of Israeli airstrikes that killed at least five individuals in the area. The Gaza civil defense agency, operating under Hamas, reported that nearly **60 people** were killed in strikes on Saturday, with 40 fatalities occurring in Gaza City alone.

Israel’s Defense Minister **Israel Katz** noted in a speech that the ongoing military operations have led to the evacuation of approximately **900,000 residents** from the region, putting immense pressure on Hamas and its supporters. The United Nations had previously estimated that around **1 million** individuals lived in the area before the offensive began.

Residents in Gaza City reported a decrease in airstrikes recently, although they believe this change is tactical rather than indicative of a full withdrawal. Muin Abu Rajab, a local resident from the Al-Rimal neighborhood, commented on the situation, noting that while military vehicles appeared to be less active, he remained skeptical about the intentions behind this apparent reduction.

As the conflict continues, the situation remains tense, with both sides poised for negotiations that could significantly impact the lives of those affected in the region.