Witkoff Calls Hamas’ Response “Unacceptable” – Here’s What They Rejected

U.S. envoy Steven Witkoff has sharply criticized Hamas for rejecting a new proposal, calling their response “totally unacceptable.” Speaking to CNN, Witkoff also threatened Hamas telling them to “watch what we are doing to the Houthis” and said the opportunity for a deal was closing fast.

Witkoff’s threats were considered unprofessional and inappropriate, especially since the United States is supposed to be a mediator ensuring that all parties uphold the ceasefire agreement. Hamas continues to affirm its commitment to the agreement, while Israel openly declares its intention to keep violating it.

But what exactly did Hamas reject? And why was its response deemed unacceptable?

The Proposal Hamas Rejected

Witkoff, along with U.S. officials, presented a proposal aimed at extending the first phase of a ceasefire without a full withdrawal from Gaza or a permanent halt to Israeli operations.

The plan included:
* The release of five living Israeli prisoners, including American-Israeli soldier Eidan Alexander.
* The return of the bodies of four other Israeli prisoners.
* The release of a significant number of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.

According to Witkoff, Israel was informed about the proposal before and after its presentation. After two to three days, Hamas responded with conditions that the U.S. and Israel found unacceptable.

Hamas’ Response and Conditions

Hamas agreed to release Alexander and the four bodies but only as part of a broader deal, reported Al Jazeera.

Their conditions included:
* Continuing all previous ceasefire commitments.
* Immediately resuming talks for the second phase of the agreement.
* A commitment to negotiating a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
* Opening border crossings and allowing humanitarian aid, trade, and reconstruction supplies into Gaza.
* A guarantee from mediators, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, that negotiations would lead to a lasting truce.

Hamas insisted that their response was in line with the January 17 ceasefire deal. They rejected any attempt to create a new agreement that ignored the original terms.

Why the U.S. and Israel Rejected Hamas’ Terms

Israel wanted a different exchange ratio. Their counteroffer included:
* The release of 11 live Israeli prisoners, including Alexander.
* The return of 16 bodies.
* The release of 120 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences and 1,110 others.
* The return of 160 Palestinian bodies from Gaza.

Israel also demanded medical reports and proof of life for Israeli prisoners before negotiations.