US Accuses Hamas of Making "Entirely Impractical" Demands
The White House has accused Hamas of making "entirely impractical" demands and stalling on a deal to release a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire. According to a statement from the office of President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and the US national security council, Hamas is making a "bad bet" that time is on its side, but it is not.
Hamas’s Demands
Hamas has presented a "bridge" proposal to extend the first phase of the truce to mid-April if it releases living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the US has insisted that this proposal must be implemented soon, with the immediate release of dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander.
US Response
The US has threatened to respond severely if the deadline passes without a deal. President Trump has vowed that Hamas will "pay a severe price" for not freeing the hostages. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the US is acting to secure the release of all hostages, not just the American one, and condemned Hamas’s actions as "outrageous, ridiculous, sick, and disgusting."
Hamas’s Stance
Hamas has claimed to be ready to free an Israeli-American hostage and the remains of four others, following the resumption of indirect Gaza ceasefire negotiations. However, the US claims that Hamas is making a false show of flexibility while privately pushing for demands that require a permanent ceasefire.
Consequences
The US has warned that if a deal is not reached, it will respond accordingly. The stakes are high, with the fate of the hostages hanging in the balance. The world is watching, and the US and Israel are united in their condemnation of Hamas’s actions.
FAQs
- What are the US and Israel’s demands of Hamas?
The US and Israel are demanding the release of living hostages, including dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, and the remains of four others, in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire. - What is Hamas’s stance on the demands?
Hamas has claimed to be ready to free an Israeli-American hostage and the remains of four others, but the US claims that it is making a false show of flexibility while privately pushing for demands that require a permanent ceasefire. - What are the consequences if a deal is not reached?
The US has threatened to respond severely if the deadline passes without a deal, with President Trump vowing that Hamas will "pay a severe price" for not freeing the hostages.