Hamas announced on Saturday that it has responded to a ceasefire proposal presented by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to mediators, including a demand for an end to the war, a condition previously rejected by Israel.
The Palestinian group stated that under the proposed deal, it would release ten living hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for Israel releasing a number of Palestinian prisoners, aligning with Witkoff’s proposal.
“This 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 Gaza Strip,” Hamas said in a statement, adding that its response followed “a round of national consultations.”
While the statement did not explicitly mention any requested changes, a Palestinian official familiar with the talks told Reuters that Hamas sought some amendments, though its overall response was positive.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Earlier this week, Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed hostage families that Israel had accepted the Witkoff deal, though the Prime Minister’s office declined to comment at the time.
Previous attempts to restore a ceasefire, which collapsed in March, have been hindered by significant disagreements between Hamas and Israel.
Israel has insisted on Hamas’s complete disarmament and dismantling as a military and governing force, as well as the return of all 58 hostages still held in Gaza, before agreeing to end the war.
Hamas has rejected the demand to give up its weapons and insists that Israel must withdraw its troops from Gaza and commit to ending the war.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and the abduction of 251 Israelis into Gaza, according to Israeli figures.
According to Gaza health officials, the subsequent Israeli military campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians and devastated the Gaza Strip.
