Hamas rejects U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal amid ongoing Gaza conflict

Hamas official Bassem Naim stated that the proposal “does not meet any of our people’s demands, foremost among them, halting the war.”

By Yair Kleinbaum, JFeed

A senior Hamas official informed the BBC on Friday that the organization will reject the latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal brokered by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which has been approved by Israel.

The proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased individuals, and the resumption of humanitarian aid.

However, Hamas contends that the plan fails to meet its core demands, notably a complete cessation of the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel had “signed off” on the proposal and that discussions with Hamas are ongoing.

Hamas official Bassem Naim stated that the proposal “does not meet any of our people’s demands, foremost among them, halting the war.”

He also added that the leadership is reviewing the response with full national responsibility.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that military operations will continue until all hostages are released, Hamas is dismantled, and its leaders are removed from the region.

While the U.S. and Israel await a formal response from Hamas, the prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain, with significant gaps between the parties’ positions on key issues.