Hamas Criticizes New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal as Too Pro-Israel

Hamas has criticized a new proposal aimed at bridging gaps between Israel and the group over a Gaza ceasefire. Hamas claims the proposal aligns too closely with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's positions. The statement comes after U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to Israel to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

In a statement released on Sunday, Hamas criticized a new ceasefire proposal aimed at reducing tensions between Israel and the Islamist group, alleging it aligns too closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's positions.

The statement came shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's arrival in Israel, where he is attempting to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. Hopes for an imminent breakthrough in these negotiations have dimmed.

Hamas received the proposal following discussions with mediators Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The group claims that Netanyahu's refusal to end the war and withdraw troops from Gaza are major sticking points. Hamas holds Netanyahu responsible for stalling talks and endangering lives.