Hamas: Witkoff's ceasefire proposal for Gaza must lead to end of war

(Patria) - Hamas announced yesterday that it responded to a ceasefire proposal presented to mediators by Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's envoy for the Middle East, which included a demand for an end to the war, a previous red line for Israel.

The Palestinian group stated in a statement that, according to the agreement, it would release ten living hostages and eighteen bodies in exchange for the release of a certain number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, which is in line with Witkoff's proposal, Reuters reported.

"The goal of this proposal is to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and to ensure the flow of aid to our people and our families in the Gaza Strip," Hamas's statement reads.

It was stated that their response followed "after a round of national consultations was conducted".

The statement did not mention that they were seeking any changes to the proposal, but a Palestinian official familiar with the talks told Reuters that Hamas had requested some amendments, while their response was positive.

Israeli media reported earlier this week that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the families of hostages in Gaza that Israel had accepted the agreement presented by Witkoff.

Deep differences between Hamas and Israel have hampered previous attempts to restore the truce, which was violated in March.

Israel insisted that Hamas be completely disarmed, dismantled as a military and ruling force, and that all 58 hostages still in Gaza be returned before agreeing to end the war.

Hamas rejected the demand to give up its weapons and says Israel must withdraw its troops from Gaza and commit to ending the war.

Israel launched its campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas's attack in the south on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 Israelis hostage.

More than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, and the enclave has been devastated.