Doha/Washington/Gaza: In a significant development amid escalating violence in Gaza, Hamas has reportedly accepted a ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, according to Al Jazeera sources. However, both American and Israeli officials have denied endorsing the plan, calling it “disappointing” and “unacceptable.”
According to sources, Hamas and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met in Doha and reached an understanding on a draft agreement. The proposed deal included a 60-day ceasefire, the phased release of 10 Israeli captives held in Gaza, the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid, and a withdrawal of Israeli forces. The deal was reportedly to be guaranteed by former US President Donald Trump.
But Witkoff rejected claims that the proposal was his, telling Reuters that what he saw from Hamas was “completely unacceptable.” A US source close to Witkoff echoed the sentiment, labeling Hamas’s offer “inaccurate” and lacking seriousness.
In Washington, an official clarified that the US proposal was only for a temporary ceasefire, involving the exchange of half of the living and deceased captives. The White House believes this could pave the way for broader diplomatic negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retrieve all 58 Israeli captives still believed to be in Gaza, reaffirming his hardline stance. “If not today, then tomorrow… We will bring them all back—alive or dead,” he stated, making no reference to the ongoing ceasefire discussions.
Al Jazeera reported that Netanyahu has laid down new conditions for ending the war, including Hamas’s complete disarmament, the exile of its leaders, and the implementation of Trump’s earlier Gaza plan—which critics have condemned as ethnic cleansing. The White House itself has previously distanced itself from this controversial plan.
In contrast, Hamas has indicated willingness to release all captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire. It has also shown readiness to transfer governance of Gaza to an interim body under an Arab League-backed $53 billion reconstruction initiative. However, Hamas remains firm in its opposition to forced displacement, surrendering arms, or exiling its leadership while Israeli occupation continues.
As diplomatic efforts remain stalled and contradictory statements cloud the peace process, the humanitarian toll continues to rise. On Monday alone, at least 81 Palestinians, including many children, were reportedly killed in relentless Israeli airstrikes.
