Hamas Denies Rejecting Witkoff Gaza Ceasefire Proposal
Gaza (Quds News Network)- Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya said on Thursday the Palestinian resistance group did not reject the latest proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza put forward with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, stating that Hamas had instead requested some changes to ensure an end to the ongoing genocide.
In a pre-recorded speech, al-Hayya added that Hamas is ready to engage in further talks and that communications with the mediators are ongoing.
Hayya reiterated demands for an end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, conditions Israel has rejected.
Hamas said that it previously accepted a ceasefire proposal from Witkoff, who then modified the agreement based on new Israeli demands. Witkoff then accused Hamas of spoiling a deal when it took issue with some of those changes, the group said.
“Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks,” Witkoff said in a post on X. “We can begin those talks immediately this coming week.”
He claimed that this is the only way to secure a 60-day ceasefire in the coming days. The deal would release half of the living Israeli soldier prisoners and half of those who are deceased. Witkoff added that substantive and good-faith negotiations must follow to reach a permanent ceasefire.
Earlier Saturday, Hamas said it officially submitted its response to Witkoff’s proposal. The plan aims to end Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza and allow a prisoner exchange.
Hamas stated it was ready to release 10 living Israeli prisoners and return 18 bodies. In exchange, it seeks the release of an agreed number of Palestinian detainees.
The movement confirmed it shared its response with mediators. Hamas said its position followed national consultations and reflected its “high responsibility toward our people and their suffering.”
Hamas stressed that any agreement must ensure three key goals:
- A permanent ceasefire
- A complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- The uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to the population
A senior Hamas official told Reuters the group had responded positively to the US proposal but requested several amendments.
According to reports, the American proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, guaranteed by President Donald Trump. The plan also calls for the immediate delivery of aid to Gaza through agreed channels, including the United Nations. The US previously guaranteed agreements between the resistance and Israel but failed to ensure Israeli compliance.
In March, Israel unilaterally ended a ceasefire brokered by the Trump administration.
Tensions remain high, as the genocide in Gaza enters its 20th month. Over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, and nearly the entire population has been displaced. Much of Gaza lies in ruins amid a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.
