The U.S., Israel, and Hamas are at a critical juncture in their ongoing ceasefire negotiations, with the Palestinian militant group reportedly adding new demands that have left the proposed deal in limbo. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has called Hamas’ latest response ‘totally unacceptable,’ warning that it threatens to set the situation back significantly. The latest developments come as the U.S. continues to push for a resolution to the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and left hundreds of Israelis still missing in Gaza.
Hamas has reportedly rejected the terms of the U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal, insisting that a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire are prerequisites for any agreement. The deal, which included the return of 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 more in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, has been criticized by U.S. and Israeli officials as insufficient. The Israeli government has maintained that Hamas must first disarm completely and be dismantled as a military and governing force before any ceasefire can be considered. Meanwhile, Hamas has rejected the demand, calling for a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops and the end of the war in Gaza.
President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the prospects for a deal, stating that negotiators are ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement. In a recent press conference, he suggested that Hamas is ‘in a big mess’ and may be eager to exit the current situation. However, the situation remains uncertain, as the deepening divisions between Israel and Hamas continue to stymie efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.