Israeli officials analyzing Hamas's response to the ceasefire agreement concluded that the chances of reaching an agreement under these circumstances are slim. Israeli sources described Hamas's response to U.S. President Joe Biden's proposal as "failed" and criticized Washington's involvement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted telephone consultations with senior security officials following Hamas's response. Senior Israeli officials stated that Hamas believes Israel is in a difficult position, allowing it to set unrealistic conditions.

For example, Hamas opposes giving Israel the veto power over the release of prominent prisoners in exchange for kidnapped soldiers, although Israel has agreed to a compromise by retaining veto power only over half of the prominent prisoners expected to be included in the deal, totaling 200 prisoners.

Additionally, Hamas demands that the timeline for the reconstruction of Gaza be moved from the third phase of the agreement to the first phase and insists on the immediate removal of the Netzarim corridor established by Israel – which divides the northern and southern parts of the Palestinian territory – and refuses to agree to a deadline for renewing hostilities if an agreement on the second phase is not reached. Hamas strongly rejects Israel's demand for the expulsion of released Palestinian prisoners and insists on their release to their original locations, including the West Bank.

Hamas also demands guarantees from China, Russia, and Turkey to end the conflict, in addition to U.S. guarantees, a condition that Israel considers unacceptable. Senior Israeli officials noted that Hamas leader in Gaza Yehya Sinwar does not trust Israel and believes that Israel will sabotage the agreement over simple issues. Consequently, Sinwar insists on resolving everything before the first phase, ensuring that Israel enters the humanitarian phase knowing that the war has ended without an exit strategy.

Unlike in the past, where the ball was in Israel's or Hamas's court, officials pointed out that it is now in Washington's court. While the Americans also reject Hamas's demands, Israeli officials believe that the United States lacks influence over Qatar, which has not imposed any sanctions on Hamas, such as expelling its members or seizing bank accounts.

Sources told Ynet: "It is hard to see how an agreement will be reached. From the Israeli side, Hamas's response is tantamount to a rejection of the agreement."

On Wednesday evening, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Hamas had presented a counterproposal, describing some amendments as "viable" and others as not. He added that Washington would present a plan for governing Gaza post-war in the coming weeks, saying that "Hamas should not be allowed" to dictate the future of the Palestinian territory.

The Hostages and Missing Forum stated that Hamas's announcement is "an integral part of the negotiation process."

The statement read: “This is another stage in the path toward Netanyahu's deal, and it is the first Israeli initiative put on the table since October 7.”

"The families' forum supports Secretary of State Antony Blinken's statement today that it is possible to bridge the gaps. In his meeting with representatives of the families of the hostages yesterday, Blinken reaffirmed his and the United States' commitment to moving forward to reach an agreement to return the hostages."

Stating, "All parties must continue negotiations immediately and intensively to bridge the remaining gaps. Netanyahu's deal is very good for Israel. It allows the country to maximize its military achievements and achieve significant political gains."