Hamas Agrees to Gaza Ceasefire Proposal, Israel Denies and Rejects It

A Palestinian official close to Hamas stated on Monday that the group has accepted a ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. The proposal reportedly includes the release of 10 Israeli hostages in two groups in exchange for a 70-day ceasefire and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It also calls for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

U.S. Envoy and Israel Reject the Reported Deal

Despite the Palestinian official’s statement, Steve Witkoff himself denied that Hamas had accepted his offer, describing the proposal he saw as “completely unacceptable.” He also clarified that the proposal being discussed was not the same as his original offer. An Israeli official dismissed the reported deal, stating no responsible Israeli government could accept such terms and denying that the proposal came from Washington.

Context of the Conflict and Previous Ceasefire Attempts

The ceasefire proposal comes after Israel ended a January ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, 2025, and resumed military operations in Gaza. Hamas and allied factions responded with rocket attacks shortly after. Earlier, Hamas had presented a broader vision involving a five-year ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, lifting of the blockade, and the formation of an independent technocratic committee to govern Gaza, backed by international and regional guarantees.

Details of Hamas’ Broader Ceasefire Vision

Hamas’ five-point plan includes:

A comprehensive prisoner exchange releasing all Israeli captives in return for Palestinian detainees.

A five-year ceasefire supported by international and regional guarantees.

Restoration of conditions to those before March 2, 2025, including the resumption of humanitarian aid.

Establishment of a local technocratic committee to govern Gaza independently, following an Egyptian proposal.

Initiation of reconstruction efforts and lifting of the blockade to allow humanitarian aid.

Summary

While a Palestinian official claims Hamas accepted a U.S.-brokered 70-day ceasefire proposal involving hostage release, both the U.S. envoy and Israel have rejected the claim, emphasizing that no such deal has been agreed upon or could be accepted by the Israeli government. Hamas continues to advocate for a longer-term ceasefire and broader political arrangements to address the Gaza conflict