The Hamas Movement has affirmed that it has not received any new ceasefire proposal from US President Donald Trump concerning the ongoing devastation in the Gaza Strip.

The statement, issued on Saturday, comes amid reports by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which claimed that Hamas had tentatively agreed to release Israeli captives in exchange for the liberation of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

According to Haaretz, Trump’s proposed plan reportedly includes ending Hamas’s governance in Gaza and an Israeli pledge not to annex the coastal territory or forcibly relocate its residents. However, a Hamas official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, denied that such a proposal had reached the Movement, emphasizing that Hamas has not received any formal offer.

Hamas anticipates that Qatar will relay the details of any ceasefire proposal in the coming days, following meetings between Arab leaders and Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Hamas officials reiterated that any acceptable agreement must be anchored in two non-negotiable principles: an immediate end to Israeli attacks and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. They warned that any plan lacking these elements would be rejected outright.

Meanwhile, US President Trump expressed optimism about a potential resolution, claiming that parties were “very close to a deal,” only days after his envoy suggested that a “breakthrough” might be possible.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained defiant, vowing to continue his genocidal campaign until Hamas is destroyed. Analysts warn that the plan faces internal opposition in Israel, as recognition of Palestinian statehood would clash with the far-right factions in Netanyahu’s government.

The developments underscore the persistent asymmetry of power and ongoing aggression in Gaza, where Palestinian civilians continue to suffer under blockade, bombardment, and occupation. Hamas’ firm stance signals its commitment to defending the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people, rejecting proposals that fail to guarantee freedom, security, and an end to Israeli oppression. (ILKHA)