Hamas says Gaza truce proposal falls short of its demands

A Hamas official said Thursday that a new “Israeli”-approved US plan for a truce in Gaza fell short of its demands, but that it was still studying the proposal.

Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim said “Israel's” response meant "the continuation of killing and famine... and does not meet any of our people's demands, foremost among them halting the war and famine.”

“Nonetheless, the movement's leadership is studying the response to the proposal with full national responsibility,” Naim said.

Read more: White House says “Israel” approved Gaza truce plan

Earlier today, Hamas said that it received a new Gaza truce proposal from US Envoy Steve Witkoff, while "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they accept the proposal, according to Hebrew Channel 12.

In a statement on its official Telegram channel, Hamas said it will study the proposal with “the aim of serving the interests of the Palestinian people, facilitating humanitarian relief, and achieving a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”

Netanyahu told the families of “Israeli” captives held in Gaza that they accepted US Envoy’s Steve Witkoff’s outlines for a Gaza truce.

Hamas isn’t happy with the new proposal as it doesn’t include a clear guarantee by the United States that it will lead to a permanent ceasefire – a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told Axios.

Hamas has not given a negative response to the proposal, but has expressed disappointment, and a senior “Israeli” official says the assessment of “Israeli” intelligence services that Hamas is going to reject it – the report adds.

According to Hebrew media, the proposal includes Hamas releasing 10 living “Israeli” captives and the bodies of 18, in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of over a 1,000 Palestinian political prisoners.

The UN would also resume providing aid to Gaza, replacing the new “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” which made its first aid deliveries this week.

An “Israel” official cited by “The Times of Israel” said the proposed agreement does not include a promise to end the war, and will reserve the "right of Israel to return to combat".

One half of the captives will be released on the first day of the truce, and the other on the 7th day.

In return, “Israel” will release 125 Palestinian political prisoners serving life sentences, and 1,111 Gazans arrested since Oct. 7, 2023, in addition to bodies of 180 Palestinians currently detained by “Israel” – according to reports in Arab media.