Hamas: U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff’s Proposal Presented Ideas Only to End Ceasefire Agreement, Focusing Only on Prisoner Exchange Without Addressing the War’s End

Beirut (Quds News Network)- Hamas official Osama Hamdan has stated that U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff’s ideas were limited to ending the ceasefire agreement, which was reached at the beginning of Trump’s administration, focusing solely on a prisoner exchange without addressing the broader issues of the war’s end or lifting the siege on Gaza.

“Witkoff’s proposal doesn’t address the war, opening borders, or ending the blockade,” Hamdan stated. “It is not acceptable to ignore the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the siege, hunger, and border closures persist.”

Hamdan emphasized that Hamas remains committed to the original ceasefire agreement, stating, “We demand the entry of medical equipment and supplies to lift debris, and the return to the agreement or acceptance of our proposal for releasing the Israeli soldier with dual nationality.”

Furthermore, he explained that mediators, including the U.S., had failed to press Israel into engaging in the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. “We are ready to implement any step that facilitates the agreement, but we cannot accept returning to square one,” Hamdan said.

He also pointed out that Washington had not pressured Israel to enter negotiations for the second phase. Instead, the U.S. suggested the release of an Israeli soldier with dual nationality as part of a proposal that lacked broader peace commitments.

Witkoff had attacked Hamas, calling their response “totally unacceptable.” Speaking to CNN, Witkoff also threatened Hamas, saying, “Watch what we are doing to the Houthis,” and suggested the opportunity for a deal was closing fast. His remarks were considered unprofessional and inappropriate, especially given that the U.S. is supposed to mediate the ceasefire.

The proposal presented by Witkoff focused on prisoner exchanges, including the release of five Israeli prisoners, such as American-Israeli soldier Eidan Alexander, along with the return of four bodies. It also included the release of a significant number of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. However, Hamas rejected the proposal, maintaining that any agreement should include a commitment to a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas also demanded the opening of border crossings for humanitarian aid, trade, and reconstruction supplies, and insisted on a guarantee from mediators like the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar that negotiations would result in a lasting truce.

Meanwhile, Israel’s continues to breach the ceasefire agreement, attacking civilians across Gaza and imposing a brutal siege on the enclave. The occupation state has been blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, leaving over 2 million Palestinians facing starvation.

Hamdan clarified, “We are not rejecting peace. We are committed to the agreement, but we will not accept any proposal that ignores the needs of our people and the original terms.”