Posted on 05/31/25
| News Source: Arutz-7
US envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday rejected Hamas' response to the newest ceasefire proposal, slamming it as "totally unacceptable" and stressing that it "only takes us backward."
A senior official familiar with the details of the negotiations revealed that a thorough analysis of Hamas' response shows that the terror group's proposal is far from aligning with Israel’s offer.
Among Hamas’ demands: a ceasefire lasting up to seven years, a full IDF withdrawal from all areas captured since March, cancellation of the new humanitarian aid distribution model led by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and a return to the previous distribution system. “This isn’t a response — it’s a slammed door,” the official stated.
The Prime Minister's Office responded: "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."
Hamas, meanwhile, complained about Witkoff's statement, claiming that they "did not reject" the proposal, and that Witkoff's statement is "unfair" and biased in Israel's favor.
Earlier, Hamas announced it had conveyed its response to the mediators regarding the “new Witkoff framework,” saying the proposal "aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to our people and our families in the Strip."
According to Egypt’s Al-Ghad channel, Hamas demanded the release of living hostages in three phases: 4 hostages on day one, 2 on day 30, and 4 on day 60 — ten in total. As for the bodies of deceased hostages, Hamas wants them transferred in three phases as well: on days 10, 30, and 50.
Additionally, Hamas stated that under the deal, the 10 living hostages and 18 deceased hostages would be released in exchange for an “agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners.”