US envoy 'completely dissatisfied' with Hamas response to Gaza Strip peace plan: 'Proposal must be accepted' Modified: 52 min ago1 hour agoin Abroad
GAZA CITY - Hamas says it has submitted a response to the mediators on the US proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. It is not known what the response contains, but in a statement on Telegram the terror group does not reject the plan. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is nevertheless "completely dissatisfied."
Hamas says it has submitted a response to mediators on the US proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
“This proposal aims at a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and ensuring the flow of aid to our people,” the Hamas statement said. “As part of the deal, 10 Israeli prisoners and 18 bodies will be returned in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners.”
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Despite dire situation in Gaza, Hamas appears to have no interest in ceasefire yet
The United States had previously stated that Israel had already agreed to the American proposal. Hamas submitted a response on Saturday afternoon. According to an official of the terrorist group, the content was positive, but a few things still needed to be changed. It is not known what changes were involved.
The official, Basem Naim, stressed that Hamas did not reject the proposal, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Saturday night. According to Israel, Hamas is to blame for the war not ending.
'Effective rejection of US plan' Hamas reportedly wants to spread the release of the hostages over 60 days. An Israeli official sees the terror group's proposal as an "effective rejection" of the American plan.
US Special Envoy Witkoff believes Hamas “must accept” the proposal. “That will serve as a basis for rapprochement talks, which can begin immediately this week,” he writes to X. “That is the only way we can achieve a 60-day ceasefire in the coming days, in which half of the living hostages and half of those who have died return home.”
