WSJ-Hamas 'Largely Rejects' US Ceasefire Proposal

WSJ is reporting that Hamas has "largely rejected" a US proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, and instead is set to propose its own plan for a permanent end to hostilities. WSJ: "Hamas is seeking a permanent cease-fire and the full withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza in return for the release of hostages held in the strip. Israel has expressed openness to negotiating on the U.S. proposal for a temporary truce but wants the option of continuing its military campaign afterward."

• The US proposal, set out by CIA chief William Burns during talks in Cairo, would implement a six-week ceasefire that would see Hamas release 40 of its hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 900 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel (including 100 individuals serving lenthy stretches for terrorism-related offences).
• Following a meeting of senior Israeli cabinet ministers, WSJ reports the Netanyahu gov't sees the plan "as favouring Hamas." Despite this an unnamed official states that there would likely be a Knesset majority for such a deal.
• The report claims that Hamas is unwilling to agree to any deal that does not agree to, or even set out a pathway for, a permanent end to the war. PM Benjamin Netanyahu's statement on 8 Apr saying that a military operation in Rafah will happen is seen by some as an effort to pressure Hamas into concessions at the Cairo talks.