A representative of Hamas told the BBC that the organization will reject the new ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, despite Israel having already approved the plan.
The proposal outlines a 60-day ceasefire and includes the release of 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
However, Hamas insists the plan fails to meet their core demands, including a complete end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Hamas spokesman Bassem Naim said the offer “fails to meet any of our people’s demands” and effectively amounts to “continued occupation and killings.”
The United States and Israel expressed disappointment at Hamas’s rejection, stating that the proposal could have served as a basis for a long-term truce and helped ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Negotiations continue, but major disagreements between the sides remain unresolved.
