Hamas demands guarantees for hostages as skepticism grows over US proposal

In recent days, Hamas has expressed skepticism towards a new US-backed proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza and facilitating the release of hostages. The initiative was communicated through negotiators Gershon Baskin and Dr. Bishara Bahbah and includes a requirement for Hamas to hand over all 48 hostages on the first day of the agreement. In exchange, US President Donald Trump would assure that hostilities would not resume until a negotiated resolution is achieved. However, Hamas views the proposal as flawed and filled with potential traps, primarily because it does not address their critical demands, which include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphi Corridor and the reopening of the Rafah crossing. The group has reportedly raised concerns about the condition of the hostages, noting that some may have died in areas currently occupied by Israeli forces, complicating their recovery. Compounding the situation, diplomatic pressure is mounting, with leaders like Qatari Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani urging Hamas to respond positively to the proposal. Yet, the overarching sentiment within Hamas remains wary; surrendering all hostages in exchange for a presidential guarantee is viewed as a precarious risk, as negotiations could falter, leaving them without leverage in the situation.