Hamas has rebuffed Israel's latest offer for a ceasefire in Gaza, citing the recent passing of a resolution in the UN Security Council calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The rejection comes amidst ongoing violence and airstrikes in the region, reported by British media on Wednesday.
According to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Tuesday, Israel expressed its refusal to yield to what it termed as "unusual demands" put forth by Palestinian armed groups. This stance indicates a potential setback in the efforts to broker a truce between the two sides.
Earlier attempts at ceasefire negotiations, including a proposal brokered by Qatar, were also dismissed by Hamas. The militant group's demands include the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories, a sustainable ceasefire, and the repatriation of Palestinian detainees.
Israel responded with frustration to the passing of a UN Security Council resolution on Monday, which garnered support from 14 council members, including the United Kingdom. The resolution called for the immediate release of prisoners of war and the facilitation of emergency humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israeli airstrikes and ground clashes persist across Gaza. The Hamas-led Health Ministry reported a grim toll of at least 81 additional Palestinian casualties in the past 24 hours alone. Since October 7, a staggering total of 32,414 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli offensives, according to official records.
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