'Totally unacceptable': Witkoff criticizes Hamas' response to ceasefire proposal
The US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, sharply criticized Hamas on Saturday following the group’s latest response to a US-backed ceasefire framework. The criticism comes after Hamas reportedly offered to release 10 living captives as part of its counterproposal to the deal.
Witkoff took to social media to express his disapproval, stating, “It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward.” He urged Hamas to agree to the ceasefire framework that Washington had put forward, calling it the only viable path toward renewed negotiations.
I received the Hamas response to the United States’ proposal. It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward.
— Office of the Special Envoy to the Middle East (@SE_MiddleEast) May 31, 2025
Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week.
That is the only…
“Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week,” Witkoff said in a post on X.
The US-backed plan includes a 60-day temporary ceasefire that would allow for the return of half the remaining living captives, as well as the remains of half of those confirmed deceased. Witkoff stressed that such a pause in fighting would create an opportunity for “substantive negotiations in good faith” aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire.
While no immediate response was issued from Hamas following Witkoff’s remarks, the growing frustration among US officials signals increasing pressure on both parties to advance toward a resolution. Talks have stalled in recent weeks amid continued violence and competing demands from negotiators.
