Hamas Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Proposal: “Does Not Meet the Demands of Our People”
Hamas slams Washington’s plan—reportedly accepted by Israel—as inadequate, citing continued occupation, starvation, and lack of humanitarian guarantees.
Watan-On Thursday evening, Bassem Naim, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, stated that the U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza—reportedly accepted by Israel—“does not meet any of our people’s demands.” Speaking to AFP, Naim warned that the proposal’s core terms would entrench the occupation and continue the killing and starvation, even during a temporary truce.
“The essence of the Israeli response is the perpetuation of occupation and the continuation of death and famine—even during a temporary ceasefire,” said Naim. “This proposal fails to address any of our people’s demands, foremost among them: ending the war and famine.”
Despite the sharp criticism, Naim stressed that Hamas leadership is still reviewing the proposal with national responsibility.
According to the BBC, another senior Hamas official said the group is likely to reject the ceasefire plan proposed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, mainly because it lacks a humanitarian protocol to guarantee the entry of hundreds of aid trucks daily into Gaza. The official added that the proposal contradicts prior discussions held with U.S. officials.
Earlier today, Hamas confirmed it is consulting with other Palestinian factions about the proposal, which it had officially received earlier this week. The group reiterated that it is reviewing the offer with the aim of ensuring relief for the population and a permanent ceasefire.
The White House announced Thursday that Israel had accepted the ceasefire plan drafted by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Proposal Details
According to Reuters, the deal includes:
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A 60-day ceasefire,
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The release of 28 Israeli hostages (living and deceased) in the first week,
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In exchange, Israel would release 125 Palestinians sentenced to life terms, and return the remains of 180 Palestinians,
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Hamas would release the last 30 hostages upon the enforcement of a permanent ceasefire,
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The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar would serve as guarantors.
An Al-Araby Al-Jadeed report provided additional details:
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Israel would halt all offensive military operations once the deal is signed,
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On Day 1, Hamas would release 5 live hostages and 9 bodies,
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On Day 7, another 5 live hostages and 9 bodies would be released,
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Israel would release 125 long-term prisoners, 1,111 detainees from Gaza arrested post-Oct 7, and 180 bodies of Gaza residents,
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On Day 10, Hamas would provide a complete list and medical reports on the remaining Israeli hostages.
However, Israel insists on total disarmament of Hamas, the dismantling of its military capabilities, and the end of Hamas governance in Gaza, along with the release of the remaining 58 hostages before any formal end to the war.
Hamas, for its part, refuses to surrender its weapons and insists that Israel must withdraw from Gaza and formally end the war.
