Hamas source says group accepted Gaza ceasefire proposal; Witkoff denies
A Hamas source said the group had accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by mediators that reportedly involves the freeing of 10 living captives in two batches and a 70-day truce.
"Hamas has agreed to the new proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which the movement received from mediators," the source told AFP, adding that "during the truce, negotiations would begin on a permanent ceasefire with American guarantees".
White House envoy Steve Witkoff rejected Hamas’ claims and said: “What I have seen from Hamas is disappointing and completely unacceptable” – according to statements made to Axios’ Barak Ravid.
BREAKING: White House envoy @SteveWitkoff rejects Hamas' claim that the group has agreed to his proposal for a hostage and ceasefire deal and tells me: "What I have seen from Hamas is disappointing and completely unacceptable"
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) May 26, 2025
Witkoff added that “Israel” will agree to a temporary ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal that would see half of the living and half of the deceased captives to return.
“[This would] lead to substantive negotiations to find a path to a permanent ceasefire, which I agreed to preside over. That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it,” Witkoff added.
Read more: 'Israel' rejects Hamas proposal for partial captive release deal: Hebrew media
Earlier Monday, 'Israel' had dismissed a proposal put forward by Hamas that called for the release of five captives in exchange for several demands.
Hamas’ proposal included the release of five living captives in return for several demands: the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) withdrawing to their positions in Gaza from two months ago, unrestricted humanitarian aid access across all Gaza areas, ongoing negotiations for the release of remaining captives—both living and deceased—and a form of American recognition of Hamas.
An 'Israeli' official told The Jerusalem Post that the offer was "very far away from the outline that we are willing to negotiate on."
