The latest developments in the Israel-Iran-Gaza conflict have hit a roadblock as Hamas rejected a proposal put forth by Israel, Qatar, and Egypt for a cease-fire and the release of Israeli hostages. The C.I.A. director, William J. Burns, expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in negotiations, placing the blame on Hamas for their refusal to accept the proposal.
The proposal, described as “far-reaching,” included an offer to allow some Gazans to return to the northern part of the enclave, a key demand from Hamas. However, Hamas has not yet accepted the terms of the proposal, leading to a standstill in the talks.
Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, expressed regret over Hamas’s rejection of the proposal, stating that it demonstrated the group’s lack of interest in reaching a deal. American officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that Hamas cited a shortage of women and civilian hostages in their control as a reason for not consummating the deal.
Despite the setback, Mr. Burns remains hopeful for a resolution but acknowledged the challenges ahead. He emphasized the Biden administration’s desire for Israel to avoid escalating the conflict with Iran, following a failed Iranian attack over the weekend. Mr. Burns praised Israel’s military capabilities in intercepting Iranian drones and missiles, highlighting their strong defense and support from the United States.
As the situation continues to unfold, the fate of the negotiations and the overall conflict remains uncertain, with both sides facing tough decisions in the days ahead.