Israel Rejects Hamas' Ceasefire Proposal, Demands Release of Hostages

Israel has criticized Hamas' latest Gaza ceasefire proposal as "ridiculous" and "absurd," but has agreed to send negotiators to Qatar for further talks. Hamas is demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners and a permanent ceasefire, while Israel has expressed that these terms are unacceptable and that they intend to continue the fight until "complete victory." The Biden administration is working intensively with Israel, Qatar, and Egypt to bridge the remaining gaps and reach an agreement, but a ceasefire has not yet been achieved.