Palestinian militant group Hamas has sought amendments to the latest US ceasefire proposal for Gaza, however, US envoy Steve Witkoff called Hamas’ response “totally unacceptable.”
The latest differences in negotiations come as the fighting nears 20 months of war while desperation grows among Palestinian civilian victims and families of Israeli hostages.
As per a Hamas official, the proposed amendment focused on “the US guarantees, the timing of hostage release, the delivery of aid and the withdrawal of Israeli forces,” reported AP.
A separate statement by Hamas said the proposal aims for a permanent truce, a comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and ensured the flow of aid. It has promised the release of 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners. As many as 58 hostages remain and Israel believes 35 are dead.
“This response aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to our people in the Strip,” Hamas said in a statement.
Israeli officials have agreed to the US-proposed temporary ceasefire, and US President Donald Trump has said negotiators are nearing a deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that while his government has agreed to the US’ outline, Hamas was continuing its rejection of the plan. “Israel will continue its actions for the return of our hostages and defeat of Hamas, he said in a statement.
Bassem Naim, a top Hamas official has accused Israel of disagreeing with agreed-upon provisions and alleged a “complete bias toward the other side” that he said violates the fairness of mediation.
Meanwhile, Witkoff described a 60-day ceasefire deal that would free half the living hostages in Gaza and return half of those who have died. He urged Hamas to accept the framework proposal as the basis for talks that he said could begin next week.
