Hamas Rejects Egyptian 45-Day Ceasefire Proposal Demanding Disarmament and Release of Half Prisoners in Gaza

Hamas officials have rejected an Egyptian proposal for a 45-day ceasefire in Gaza, which included a demand for the group to disarm. The proposal also stipulated the release of half of the prisoners held by Israel within the first week of the agreement. Hamas stated that discussions regarding disarmament are unacceptable, asserting that their arms are a fundamental right of the Palestinian people and should not be negotiated. The group emphasized that any agreement should focus on ending the war and withdrawing Israeli forces rather than disarmament. The rejection of the disarmament clause was reiterated by multiple Hamas leaders, who described it as a 'red line' in negotiations.