Hamas says ceasefire proposal offers ‘no guarantees’ for end to Gaza war

The Palestinian group Hamas has responded to a ceasefire proposal backed by the United States, expressing doubts about its ability to end the conflict. A senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, told Al Jazeera on Saturday that they had given a positive response to the latest proposal from US special envoy Steve Witkoff, even though it differed from a previous agreement made a week earlier. The new proposal presented by Witkoff was not in line with their initial understanding.
Hamas stated that their response to Witkoff’s proposal aimed to achieve a lasting ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from Gaza, and the provision of aid to Palestinians in the region. They also mentioned a plan to release 10 Israeli captives and return the bodies of 18 deceased Israelis in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners.
However, Witkoff dismissed Hamas’s response as “completely unacceptable” and urged the group to accept the proposed framework for talks to initiate discussions for a permanent ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Hamas’s response, stating that it was unacceptable and would hinder efforts to secure the release of hostages and defeat Hamas.
The conflict has led to over 54,000 Palestinian casualties since October 2023, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With only limited aid allowed into the region, the UN has warned of a looming famine, putting the entire population at risk.
The World Food Programme has called for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the delivery of food to starving Palestinians in Gaza. Despite ongoing aid efforts, reports indicate challenges in distributing aid effectively, leading to heightened desperation among the population. Israeli military operations continue to target Gaza, causing further casualties and displacements.