Hamas Accepts US Ceasefire Proposal with Conditions; Washington Calls It Unacceptable

The response to the U.S. ceasefire proposal in the Gaza Strip was deemed ‘completely unacceptable’ by the special envoy of Donald Trump for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, in a post on the X platform. ‘It is completely unacceptable and simply leads us backward. Hamas should accept the proposal we presented as a basis for talks, which we can begin next week,’ he wrote in his message. Earlier, a source from Hamas stated that the Palestinian Islamist movement responded positively to the ceasefire agreement proposed by the U.S., emphasizing the need to ensure a ‘permanent ceasefire.’ ‘Hamas informed the mediators about its official written response, which includes a positive reply to (American envoy Steve) Witkoff but insists on guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Strip,’ the source said. The source is close to ongoing negotiations and requested anonymity. Meanwhile, a Hamas official told Reuters that the Palestinian movement responded positively to the U.S. ceasefire proposal but seeks certain amendments. The official did not provide clarifications on the changes Hamas requests.