Osama Hamdan, a senior member of the Hamas terror group, rejected a proposal for a “small deal” that would release some Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Families of the hostages were informed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his Israel visit that he was exploring an initial deal to see who could now speak for Hamas after the killing of its leader Yahya Sinwar. Blinken’s meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu marked a significant U.S. effort for a Middle East ceasefire and the last attempt before a potential presidential election.
Hamdan, speaking to the al-Mayadeen network, revealed that Israel was trying to maneuver around Hamas’ terms for a deal involving troop withdrawal and war cessation. He stated that Israel sought to exchange hostages for temporary calm without ending the conflict or withdrawing troops, which Hamas refused. The group stands firm on its fundamental demands, rejecting proposals that fall short of meeting them.
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