The Palestinian militant group expresses willingness to negotiate terms for a ceasefire, while U.S. envoy calls their response unacceptable.
Hamas announced on Saturday its intention to seek amendments to a U.S.-backed proposal aimed at establishing a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff characterized Hamas' response as 'totally unacceptable,' indicating a hardline stance from the United States in ongoing negotiations.
The Palestinian militant organization expressed readiness to release ten living hostages and to hand over the remains of eighteen deceased individuals in exchange for Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli facilities.
However, they reiterated demands for an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which Israel has previously rejected.
A spokesperson for Hamas referred to the group's response as 'positive' while indicating a desire for unspecified amendments.
This statement was made alongside a demand for a complete halt to military actions in Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid.
The terms of the proposals include a 60-day truce alongside an exchange where 28 out of the 58 hostages held in Gaza would be swapped for over 1,200 Palestinian detainees.
Additional provisions involve facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the region.
In the negotiations, a Palestinian official indicated that amendments sought by Hamas encompass a phased release of hostages over the truce period and an expansion of humanitarian aid distribution across various areas.
Furthermore, Hamas is looking for assurances that the agreed terms will yield a permanent ceasefire.
As of Saturday afternoon, there had been no immediate comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office regarding Hamas' latest statements.
Israel has been firm in its demands for the complete disarmament of Hamas and the return of all remaining hostages.
U.S. President
Donald Trump remarked on Friday that he believed a ceasefire agreement was nearing, following recent proposals.
He noted the White House's indications that Israel was agreeable to the terms set forth.
Witkoff, in response to Hamas' communication, publicly stated that their reaction was insufficient and further entrenching the conflict.
He urged Hamas to accept the framework proposal as a foundation for impending discussions.
Simultaneously, the Israeli military reported the killing of Mohammad Sinwar, who was identified as Hamas' Gaza chief, during a strike on a hospital in southern Gaza.
His death, which has not been confirmed by Hamas, was mentioned earlier by Netanyahu.
The Israeli military has resumed its air and ground operations in Gaza, following a two-month cessation.
Current military actions continue to target Hamas positions, including alleged sniper posts and facilities related to weapon production.
The military campaign has reportedly forced a significant portion of Gaza’s over two million residents into increasingly constricted living conditions along the coastline and around the southern area of Khan Younis.
Israel imposed a comprehensive blockade on the movement of supplies into Gaza at the onset of March.
This action was part of a strategic effort to undermine Hamas, leading to heightened concerns from the international community in response to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis prompted by the blockade.
Reports from aid organizations indicate that armed groups have hijacked and looted trucks from the World Food Programme, which were en route to supply flour to bakeries in Gaza.
The WFP highlighted the dire state of food security, revealing that after nearing 80 days of a total blockade, desperate communities have resorted to seizing aid resources as they face severe hunger.