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Unrealistic demands

Hamas disgusts America: A sick organization 

After Hamas’s response to the U.S. proposal, Netanyahu calls a limited consultation. Terror official: "The gap remains wide." U.S. slams Hamas as "sick," Israel calls it "manipulative." Targeted strikes continue amid de facto ceasefire, with 9 reported dead in Gaza today.

Marco Rubio
Photo: Shutterstock / Maxim Elramsisy

Amid a deadlock in hostage deal talks and the return of the negotiating team from Doha, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a small team tonight (Saturday) at 8:30 PM. The group, comprising ministers and security chiefs, will shape Israel’s next moves.

Recent reports have detailed the U.S. proposal delivered to Hamas and Israel. It reportedly includes the release of five living hostages, including Idan Alexander, and 10 deceased hostages in exchange for terrorists based on an agreed ratio, alongside humanitarian aid and a halt to military operations—similar to Phase One—plus 42 to 50 days of ceasefire during which ending the war would be discussed.

Yesterday, Hamas claimed it "agreed to release kidnapped soldier Edan Alexander, a U.S. citizen, along with four additional deceased hostages with dual citizenship." Earlier, a senior Palestinian terror official told Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen channel, "The gap between Hamas and Israel’s proposals for Phase Two remains wide." The official added, "Israel insists on releasing about 10 living hostages before negotiations on Phase Two begin." Hamas insists on firm guarantees for entering Phase Two talks before any releases.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif addressed the U.S. proposal on Qatar’s Al-Araby channel: "The organization fostered a positive atmosphere in the ongoing talks, acted responsibly, and accepted the mediators’ proposal. The ball is now in Israel’s court." Yesterday, Hamas’s negotiating team returned to Cairo, tracking developments with senior Egyptian officials and discussing the proposal.

Hamas’s response sparked U.S. outrage over its "unrealistic demands," according to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, amid a deadline tied to Ramadan and Passover. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in: "Hamas is a sick organization; this isn’t normal negotiation. These deals are insane—we see the conditions the hostages are held in."

In response to Hamas yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement Friday afternoon: "While Israel accepted the Witkoff framework, Hamas remains obstinate, unmoving an inch, while continuing manipulations and psychological warfare. The PM will convene the ministerial team Saturday night for a detailed briefing from the negotiators and to decide on next steps for the hostages’ release."

Channel 12 contributed to this article.

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