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Hamas insists that Witkoff’s Gaza ceasefire plan must lead to an end to the war

Hamas announced on Saturday that it had responded in kind to a ceasefire offer made by Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy for U.S. president Donald Trump. The proposal included a call for an end to war which was previously a redline for Israel.

In a press release, the Palestinian group stated that it would release 10 living hostages in exchange for Israel releasing a number Palestinian prisoners. This is in line with Witkoff’s proposal.

Hamas' statement continued: "This proposal is aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from Gaza Strip. It also aims to ensure that aid reaches our people and families in Gaza Strip."

The response was given "after a series of national consultations".

Hamas did not make any mention of its desire to amend the proposal in the statement, but an official Palestinian familiar with the discussions said that Hamas requested some changes while responding positively.

The office of the Israeli Prime Minister did not respond immediately to a comment request.

Israeli media reported that Benjamin Netanyahu had told the families held hostage in Gaza by Israel that Israel accepted the Witkoff deal. The office of the prime minister declined to comment.

Previous attempts to restore the ceasefire, which broke down in March, have been stymied by Hamas's deep differences with Israel.

Israel demanded that Hamas completely disarm, dismantle itself as a military force and governement and release all 58 of the hostages who are still in Gaza.

Hamas rejects the demand that Israel give up its arms and insists on pulling its troops out from Gaza to end the war.

Israel's campaign in Gaza was launched in response to Hamas' attack on its southern border in October 2023 that resulted in the death of 1,200 people, and 251 Israelis being taken as hostages in Gaza.

Gaza's health officials claim that the subsequent Israeli military operation has resulted in more than 54,000 Palestinian deaths and left Gaza in ruin. (Reporting and editing by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Menna Alaa el-Din)

(source: Reuters)