Israel is gearing up to intensify its military campaign in Gaza, with a particular focus on the northern sector, following Hamas’s rejection of the Witkoff-brokered ceasefire framework. Israeli officials viewed the group’s refusal as a clear sign of its unwillingness to seriously engage in negotiations.
Sources suggest that the move toward heightened military pressure comes in response to intelligence indicating that Az al-Din al-Haddad, the commander of Hamas’s Gaza Brigade, currently wields substantial authority within the enclave and is believed to be directing the group’s strategic decisions.
Alongside military operations, Israeli authorities are expected to implement adjustments to the distribution of humanitarian assistance. These changes include reducing the number of food trucks permitted entry and modifying distribution mechanisms. Security experts believe such steps weaken Hamas’s influence by targeting the logistical systems that underpin its control. “Undermines Hamas’s foundations,” one official said regarding the impact of restructured food delivery channels.
Steve Witkoff, U.S. Presidential Envoy to the Middle East, dismissed Hamas’s latest response as wholly unacceptable, asserting that it “only takes us backward.” He maintained that his plan represents “the only path to agree on a 60-day ceasefire during which half of the living hostages and half of the deceased would return to their families, allowing continued good-faith negotiations for a permanent ceasefire.”
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, officials reiterated Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire outline presented by Witkoff, while faulting Hamas for standing in the way. “While Israel has agreed to the updated Witkoff framework for the release of our hostages, Hamas persists in its refusal. As US Presidential Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has said, Hamas’s response is totally unacceptable and is a step backward. Israel will continue its efforts to return our hostages and defeat Hamas.”
Gal Hirsch, alongside the Hostage and Missing Persons Headquarters, communicated a similar message to families of those captured, confirming the joint U.S.-Israeli rejection of Hamas’s stance. “Dear families, Hamas’s response has reached us and is unacceptable to both the U.S. and Israel. While Israel agreed to the updated Wietkoff framework for the release of our hostages, Hamas continues to adhere to its obstinacy. As President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, officially announced this evening—Hamas’s response is unacceptable and sets the situation back. Israel will continue its efforts to return all our hostages and defeat Hamas. We will continue to update you as negotiations with the mediators progress.”
A senior source involved in the diplomatic process disclosed that a thorough examination of Hamas’s reply made it clear that their terms remain vastly incompatible with Israel’s. Hamas’s demands reportedly include a ceasefire lasting as long as seven years, a complete Israeli military withdrawal from areas taken since March, dismantling of the Gaza Assistance Fund’s new aid model, and a reversion to the previous distribution system. “This is not a response—it’s a door slam,” the official remarked.
{Matzav.com Israel}