Israel Rejects Egypt and Qatar-Backed 5-Year Ceasefire Proposal with Hamas Over Disarmament Dispute

Israel has rejected a five-year ceasefire proposal with Hamas, which included the release of 59 hostages, due to Hamas' refusal to disarm. The proposal, backed by Egypt and Qatar, was dismissed as Israel prepares for intensified military operations in Gaza. Hamas, led by Khalil al-Hayya, offered to release hostages in exchange for a ceasefire but maintained that disarmament is non-negotiable. Qatar's influence in the negotiations has been criticized by Israel. The conflict, ongoing since October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israel Dismisses Ceasefire Without Disarmament

A senior Israeli official confirmed on Monday that the government would not accept any long-term ceasefire agreement with Hamas that does not include the group’s disarmament. “There is no chance we will agree to a ceasefire with Hamas that will only allow it to rearm, recover and continue its war against Israel,” the official stated during a briefing with journalists, echoing similar sentiments expressed by multiple Israeli political and defense sources.

The five-year truce proposal, reportedly circulating among Arab states and mediated by Egypt and Qatar, would have seen Hamas release all 59 remaining hostages — including at least 21 believed to be alive — in exchange for a cessation of hostilities and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. However, Hamas has consistently refused to consider disarmament, calling it a “red line” in negotiations.

Hamas Offers Hostage Release, Rejects Disarmament

Hamas officials, speaking to international media, confirmed their willingness to release all hostages in a one-time exchange if Israel agreed to a five-year ceasefire. A delegation led by senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya traveled to Cairo to present the group’s vision for ending the war. However, Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nono reiterated that the group’s weapons were “not open to negotiation.”

Despite mounting pressure from Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, Hamas has remained firm in its stance. Egyptian sources indicated that Hamas had shown some openness to placing its weapons in secure storage and transferring governance of Gaza to a Palestinian Authority-led committee. Still, no formal commitment to disarmament was made.

Qatar’s Role and Diplomatic Tensions

Qatar, a key mediator alongside Egypt, has come under scrutiny for its influence on Hamas’ negotiating position. According to Israeli media reports, Qatari officials encouraged Hamas to reject the latest ceasefire offer, advising the group to hold out for a more favorable deal. Israeli officials criticized Qatar’s involvement, stating that “the Qataris had a negative influence in the current negotiations.”

Mossad Director David Barnea traveled to Doha last week to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in an effort to revive stalled talks. While Al-Thani acknowledged “a bit of progress,” he also noted that significant hurdles remain, particularly regarding the future governance of Gaza and the disarmament issue.

Israeli Military Prepares for Escalation

With negotiations at a standstill, Israeli defense officials announced preparations for an intensified military campaign in Gaza. A political source confirmed that the government had rejected the five-year truce framework and was now preparing for what has been termed the “decisive phase” of the war. This phase is expected to include a massive call-up of reservists, the deployment of additional divisions into Gaza, and the use of heavier firepower.

“There is no realistic alternative plan to secure the hostages’ return at this point,” the source said, adding that the military path is now being prioritized.

International Mediation and Alternative Proposals

The rejected ceasefire proposal was part of a broader framework crafted by Egyptian and Qatari mediators with U.S. backing. The plan envisioned a phased release of hostages and prisoners, a multiyear truce, and the eventual transfer of Gaza’s political control to a reformed Palestinian administration. However, the framework’s viability has been undermined by Hamas’ refusal to disarm and Israel’s insistence that any truce must include such a condition.

Retired Egyptian security official Mohammed Ibrahim, who was involved in the 2011 Gilad Shalit negotiations, argued that disarmament should not be a precondition for a ceasefire. “This issue can be addressed separately through a phased and realistic approach,” he said.

Despite the deadlock, Egyptian and Qatari officials have vowed to continue mediation efforts. “We’re preparing not just for a truce but for what comes after,” said Ibrahim. “The future of Gaza must be built on political solutions—not endless war.”

Hostage Families and Public Response

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of those still held in Gaza, expressed frustration with the Israeli government’s handling of the negotiations. In a statement, the group criticized the lack of a clear plan to secure the hostages’ release, saying, “Once again the ‘senior political source’ proves that the Israeli government has no plan.”

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel emphasized that the war could end immediately if Hamas agreed to release the hostages and disarm. “The war could end tomorrow if Hamas released the remaining 59 hostages and laid down its weapons,” she said.

Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

The war, now in its 18th month, began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Since then, Israel has conducted daily airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, resulting in over 52,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The majority of the casualties are reported to be women and children.

Israel has also imposed a blockade on Gaza since early March, cutting off food, fuel, and medical supplies in an effort to pressure Hamas. The World Food Program recently announced that its food stocks in Gaza have been depleted, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

References

• Israel rejects 5-year ceasefire, hostage-release deal without Hamas disarming
• Qatar pushed Hamas to reject latest hostage deal offer, wait for better proposal – report
• Israeli defense officials preparing to expand Gaza operation, major reserve call-up
• “イスラエル 5年程度停戦する案 拒否の姿勢” 複数メディア | NHK
• Israeli strikes on Gaza kill at least 27 Palestinians - The Boston Globe