Hamas Opposes US Gaza Plan; Witkoff Labels Proposal 'Unacceptable'
Hamas rejects U.S. ceasefire amendments, calling their response "totally unacceptable," as tensions escalate over Gaza peace efforts.
Hamas announced on Saturday that it is seeking changes to the recently proposed U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement for Gaza. However, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff responded swiftly, describing the group's position as “totally unacceptable.”
The proposal, which has garnered strong support from Washington, calls for a 60-day pause in hostilities. It would involve the release of 28 out of the 58 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, a significant prisoner exchange that could see more than 1,200 Palestinian detainees freed, and expanded humanitarian relief corridors throughout the war-ravaged enclave.
Despite these provisions, the conflict’s devastating toll continues to mount. According to Gaza health authorities, since the start of Israel’s military campaign on October 7, 2023, at least 54,381 people have been killed and 124,054 injured. More recently, following the renewal of fighting on March 18, officials report an additional 4,117 deaths and 12,013 injuries.
At the center of the standoff are Hamas' demands, which include phasing the release of hostages over three stages within the 60-day truce, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid across all of Gaza, and firm guarantees toward a permanent ceasefire. Israel, for its part, has rejected these conditions, maintaining that any agreement must involve the disarmament and removal of Hamas from power, as well as the unconditional release of all remaining hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s alignment with the U.S. mediator’s framework, accusing Hamas of stalling negotiations. “Israel will continue its action for the return of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas,” Netanyahu declared, signaling the country’s intent to press forward militarily if talks collapse.
Steve Witkoff, after receiving the latest communication from Hamas, stated on social media, “It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward. Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks.” In response, senior Hamas figure Basem Naim insisted that the group had not rejected the proposal outright, but asserted that Israel’s current interpretation of the deal diverged sharply from earlier drafts, accusing Witkoff of “complete bias” toward the Israeli side.
A subsequent statement from Hamas reiterated the demand for a permanent ceasefire, comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unhindered aid deliveries. Under the revised terms floated by the group, 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others would be released in exchange for an “agreed-upon” number of Palestinian prisoners.
Amid rising tensions, Israeli media reported that the military was poised to intensify operations in northern Gaza in light of Hamas’ latest stance. Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning on Friday, telling Hamas to “accept the deal or be destroyed.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed the death of Mohammed Sinwar, a prominent Hamas commander and leader of the group’s military wing in Gaza, stating he was killed in an airstrike earlier this month.
A previous truce, initiated on January 19, fell apart on March 18 when Israel resumed large-scale military action in Gaza. Prior to the renewed offensive, border crossings were shut and aid deliveries severely restricted. While some humanitarian access has been restored since May 22, the humanitarian situation remains desperate for many residents of the enclave.
