Negotiators hit a deadlock this weekend as Hamas announced its demands for amendments to the latest U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire framework—and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff called the response 'totally unacceptable.'
The original proposal, championed by Washington, laid out a 60-day truce, the release of 28 of the 58 hostages still in Gaza, an exchange of more than 1,200 Palestinian prisoners, and an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to the beleaguered enclave.
Hamas' counterproposal pushes for a three-phase release of hostages, wider humanitarian access across all of Gaza, and firm guarantees that the deal will lead to a permanent ceasefire. Israel's leadership has flatly rejected these additions, insisting instead on Hamas' disarmament, removal from power, and the unconditional liberation of all detainees.
The human toll in Gaza is stark. Since March 18—when hostilities resumed after a previous truce collapsed—health authorities report at least 4,117 fatalities and 12,013 injuries. Overall, fatalities have soared above 54,000 and injuries over 124,000 since the conflict reignited on October 7, 2023.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's backing of the U.S. outline while stressing his government's resolve to secure the hostages' release and 'defeat Hamas.' On platform X, Witkoff echoed that Hamas' response undermines progress, calling on the group to accept the framework 'as the basis for proximity talks.'
Hamas senior official Basem Naim fired back, accusing Witkoff of 'complete bias' towards Israel and clarifying that the group never formally turned down the deal as initially described. A Hamas statement also emphasized demands for a full Israeli pullout from Gaza and an unhindered flow of aid, promising to free 10 living hostages and return the remains of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
On the ground, Israel's military is poised to ramp up operations in northern Gaza if negotiations continue to stall. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas must decide 'to accept the deal or be destroyed,' and Israel has already confirmed the killing of a senior Hamas commander earlier this month.
With tensions high and humanitarian needs urgent, young global citizens, business innovators, and digital nomads worldwide are watching whether this diplomatic dance will open a path to relief in Gaza or deepen the cycle of conflict.
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Hamas seeks changes to U.S. Gaza plan; Witkoff calls it 'unacceptable'
cgtn.com
