Hamas refuses US ceasefire terms, rejects Witkoff framework

In recent developments regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff announced on social media that Hamas's response to his ceasefire proposal was entirely unacceptable. The proposal included critical points aimed at achieving a 60-day ceasefire, which would involve the release of ten living hostages and the return of 18 deceased hostages' bodies in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners. Witkoff emphasized that this framework was necessary for upcoming proximity negotiations aimed at establishing a permanent ceasefire. However, an Israeli official characterized Hamas's response as a rejection of this framework due to its numerous additional demands. Hamas had conveyed its demands through a new set of proposals, including stipulations for a permanent ceasefire extending over seven years, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a return to distributing humanitarian aid through Hamas rather than through U.S. coordination. These demands, revealed during discussions with mediators, were viewed as conditions that would complicate the situation further. As military clashes continue between Israeli forces and Hamas, negotiations have become increasingly strained, highlighting the urgency for all parties involved to reach a consensus to ease the humanitarian crisis affecting civilians. The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with humanitarian aid severely hindered and thousands of civilians trapped amid ongoing violence. Reports indicate that recent Israeli bombardments have led to a significant rise in casualties among Palestinians, further complicating negotiations and exacerbating desperation among civilians. Despite pressure from the U.S. government and its allies, the likelihood of a resolution remains uncertain, and the continuation of hostilities has raised concerns about the future of peace talks in the region. As Israel's government remains steadfast in its demands for complete disarmament of Hamas, the militant group continues to assert its position against disarmament without clear assurances about ceasefire conditions. With the internal conflict escalating and humanitarian distress rising, the international community closely monitors the negotiations, hoping that a viable solution will emerge before the situation deteriorates further. Witkoff’s insistence on accepting the original framework is crucial for instigating meaningful discussions about the hostages' fate and the establishment of peace in Gaza.