The head of Hamas’s military wing in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, has reportedly rejected a new US-led ceasefire plan, the BBC understands. Al-Haddad is said to believe the proposal is designed to dismantle Hamas, regardless of the group’s compliance, and has vowed to continue fighting.

The plan, a 20-point framework presented by US President Donald Trump, has been accepted by Israel and calls for Hamas to disarm and relinquish any future role in governing Gaza. Some political leaders within Hamas, based in Qatar, are reportedly open to negotiations with modifications but have limited influence, particularly over the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, only 20 of whom are thought to be alive.

One major obstacle for Hamas is the plan’s requirement to release all hostages within 72 hours, which would eliminate their primary bargaining leverage. There is also widespread distrust that Israel would maintain the ceasefire, especially after last month’s attempted assassination of Hamas leaders in Doha via airstrike.

Additional points of contention include the proposed “temporary International Stabilisation Force” and a security buffer zone along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt. Hamas views these measures as potential forms of occupation.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly expressed reservations about the plan, asserting that Israeli forces would remain in parts of Gaza and opposing a full Palestinian state, which conflicts with the US framework. The plan stipulates that Israeli troops would withdraw completely, maintaining only a security perimeter until Gaza is deemed safe from renewed attacks, and envisions a potential pathway toward Palestinian self-determination.

Hamas has previously stated that it will not disarm until a sovereign Palestinian state is established.

The ceasefire discussions follow a military campaign by Israel in Gaza triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and left 251 others hostage. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 66,225 people have died in Israeli strikes since the conflict began.