Gaza City, Gaza Strip — In a response to a ceasefire proposal from the United States, Hamas has signaled its willingness to release ten living Israeli hostages, along with the remains of 18 deceased hostages. However, the group is demanding the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners and has requested amendments to the proposed plan.

Hamas is calling for a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and assurances for the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid. These conditions are not included in the current proposal, leading Hamas to neither outright accept nor reject the terms put forth by the U.S., which are said to have received Israeli approval.

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, stated that the response from Hamas is “totally unacceptable,” claiming it diverts the negotiation process instead of moving it forward. Witkoff emphasized that a framework proposal has been established for proximity talks, which could commence as early as next week. He stressed that reaching a 60-day ceasefire depends on Hamas’s willingness to accept the current terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Witkoff’s sentiments, indicating that while Israel is on board with the updated proposal, Hamas remains resistant. The organization, designated a terrorist group by several nations, is insisting on conditions that diverge from the terms on the table.

As the humanitarian situation deteriorates for the estimated 2.2 million people in Gaza, Hamas faces immense pressure. The conflict has placed the group in a precarious position, as the latest U.S. proposal is perceived to be less favorable than previously rejected offers. In March, a senior Hamas negotiator asserted that the organization would not consent to partial agreements that lack a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Simultaneously, Hamas is reluctant to dismiss the U.S. proposal entirely. With Israel preparing to intensify its ground operations in Gaza, rejecting the current offer could have severe consequences. The group lacks the military strength to effectively resist such escalations.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations, details of the U.S. plan have emerged, though they remain unverified. Reports indicate it includes provisions for a 60-day halt in hostilities, the release of 28 Israeli hostages (both alive and deceased) in the initial week, and the freedom for 1,236 Palestinian prisoners alongside the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians. Furthermore, it outlines humane aid distribution efforts to Gaza facilitated by the United Nations and other organizations.

While the Israeli government has agreed to accept the proposal, there is skepticism regarding Netanyahu’s willingness to accommodate Hamas’s requests. The prime minister has expressed his commitment to bringing hostages home, suggesting he would agree to a temporary ceasefire. However, Israel continues to assert its right to resume military action, clashing with Hamas’s core demand for a truce that leads to an end to hostilities.

Netanyahu has previously stated that the conflict will only resolve when Hamas “lays down its arms” and is no longer in control of the Gaza Strip. This viewpoint was further supported by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who warned that Hamas leaders face a choice: accept the U.S. terms or face destruction.

As violence persists, the Hamas-run health ministry reported significant casualties over the past 24 hours, with 60 fatalities and 284 injuries attributed to Israeli airstrikes. These figures do not include casualties in the northern Gaza Strip due to restricted access to hospitals in the region.

Since Israel began its military campaign following a cross-border assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the conflict has claimed an estimated 54,381 lives in Gaza, with 4,117 casualties recorded since Israel resumed its offensive in mid-March.