A top Palestinian official close to Hamas claimed on Monday that the militant group had accepted a new ceasefire proposal reportedly introduced by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. However, both Witkoff and Israeli officials have strongly denied that such a deal was presented by the United States or that it was acceptable to Israel.
What Was in the Alleged Proposal?
According to the unnamed Palestinian official, the proposal included:
- A 70-day ceasefire in Gaza
- The release of 10 Israeli hostages held by Hamas, in two separate groups
- A partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
- The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those with long sentences
This plan was reportedly delivered to Hamas through mediators.
U.S. Envoy Rejects Claim
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy, rejected the claim that this deal came from him or the U.S. government. He told Reuters:
“What I saw was completely unacceptable… This is not my proposal.”
This denial casts doubt on the legitimacy of the deal Hamas claimed to have accepted.
Israel Responds: “No Government Could Accept It”
An unnamed Israeli official also dismissed the reported proposal, saying:
“No responsible Israeli government could accept such an agreement.”
The official further clarified that this deal did not match any plan proposed by Witkoff or supported by the Israeli government.
Netanyahu Hints at Possible Developments
Later on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message on social media, stating:
“I hope very much that we’ll be able to share important news on the hostages and the war—today, or if not today, then tomorrow.”
His office, however, did not comment further on the video.
Background: Ongoing War in Gaza
Israel began its military operation in Gaza in response to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants. That attack killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza.
Since then, Israel has launched a full-scale air and ground war, and a brief ceasefire in January has long since ended.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 54,000 Palestinian deaths, and humanitarian groups are warning of widespread malnutrition and a growing crisis in the region.
Hamas: Open to Permanent Ceasefire — With Conditions
Hamas continues to say it is ready to release all hostages and agree to a permanent ceasefire, but only if Israel fully withdraws from the Gaza Strip.
Israel, however, says it will only agree to a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages and insists that the war will not end until Hamas is eliminated.