Dispute in Hamas Leadership Over Ceasefire; Sinwar Says 'Leaders Outside Gaza' Are Not Representatives of Hamas

Israeli Channel 12 reported, citing a source close to Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, that Sinwar considers the ceasefire proposal to be 'a trap' and stated that 'leaders who are outside Gaza' are not representatives of Hamas. According to this network, Yahya Sinwar described the proposal on the table for the release of hostages as an 'Israeli proposal disguised as an American one containing several booby-trapped clauses' and stated that this proposal does not guarantee the end of the war. The source close to the Hamas militant leader in Gaza also mentioned that Yahya Sinwar believes recent statements by 'exiled Hamas leaders' regarding the agreement are meaningless because they do not represent Hamas and do not speak on behalf of the group. The U.S. Secretary of State, who is currently in Israel, called on Hamas on Wednesday to accept a ceasefire and a deal for the hostages. Antony Blinken, during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, said, 'We are determined to achieve a ceasefire that brings the hostages home. The only obstacle to this ceasefire now is Hamas.' John Kirby, the spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, also stated on May 12 that 'a good agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages is on the table that Hamas must accept.' Currently, a Hamas delegation is in Egypt to negotiate a potential ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Previous negotiations between the two sides, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in recent months, have failed. Both sides accuse each other of 'greediness.' The last ceasefire between Hamas and Israel during the Gaza conflict occurred in late last autumn, during which around 100 hostages were released from Hamas captivity in a two-week pause in the fighting, and Israel also freed several hundred Palestinian prisoners from its jails. French Foreign Minister: Efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza continue. Statements from labor organizations on International Workers' Day: All prison and exile sentences for activists should be revoked. United Airlines extended its cancellation of direct flights to Tel Aviv. Blog: Israel warns the people of Lebanon: We will respond with full force to the continued escalation of tensions by Hezbollah. Blinken's meeting with Netanyahu aimed at increasing aid to Gaza; Hamas reacts negatively to U.S. peace efforts. International Workers' Day under dire living conditions; labor organizations: Organizing for change is essential.