The White House has publicly criticized Hamas for what it describes as 'entirely impractical' demands that are delaying negotiations for the release of a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire.

In a statement issued by President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and the US National Security Council, officials asserted that Hamas is making a 'very bad bet that time is on its side.' The statement emphasized that Hamas is aware of a looming deadline and implied that there would be consequences if that deadline passes.

It noted that Trump previously underscored that Hamas would 'pay a severe price' for failing to release hostages.

Earlier on the same day, Hamas indicated its readiness to free an Israeli-American hostage alongside the remains of four others, following the resumption of indirect negotiations regarding the Gaza ceasefire with Israel.

Witkoff had presented a proposal in Qatar aimed at extending the initial phase of the truce until mid-April, contingent upon the release of living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The White House's statement detailed that Hamas was clearly informed that this 'bridge' proposal would need to be implemented swiftly and that the release of dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander was a priority.

It criticized Hamas for publicly indicating flexibility while simultaneously making demands deemed unreasonable in the absence of a permanent ceasefire.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressing inquiries about whether the U.S. was focusing on the release of the American hostage, remarked that the release of all hostages should be a priority, calling the situation an 'outrage.' He characterized the negotiations as not akin to routine exchanges, insisting instead that the actions of Hamas are unacceptable.

Rubio made these comments following discussions during the Group of Seven meetings in Canada.