Hamas Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Proposal for Gaza, Demands Changes

In an announcement on Thursday evening (May 29, 2025), Hamas stated it does not accept the outline of the proposed ceasefire agreement presented by American envoy Steve Witkoff and is demanding changes, according to a report by the ‘Jerusalem Post.’ Citing sources close to Hamas, the publication noted that the group ‘demands changes to the new ceasefire proposal by Steve Witkoff for Gaza.’ The Palestinian organization described the latest U.S. proposal as ‘even more biased toward Israel compared to previous ones.’ Hamas feels betrayed by the Trump administration, believing they were ‘fooled’ with a pro-Israel offer that fails to guarantee the end of the conflict, an informed source told the ‘Jerusalem Post.’ The new Washington proposal requires all hostages to be returned to Israel within a week, leaving Hamas with no room for further negotiation, the source added. According to sources near Hamas, the new proposal heavily favors Israel, incorporating most demands presented by Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer during a meeting on May 27. Furthermore, the proposal lacks a clear American assurance that the temporary ceasefire will lead to a permanent one. It also does not clarify whether the ceasefire would continue if negotiations extend beyond 60 days or prevent Israel from unilaterally violating it as seen in March. A high-ranking Israeli official countered claims that the Witkoff proposal defined new lines of Israeli military expansion or the distribution of aid within the ceasefire framework. In a statement, Hamas leadership said: ‘The movement’s leadership received the new Witkoff proposal from mediators and is responsibly examining it to serve our people’s interests, provide relief, and achieve lasting peace in the Gaza Strip.’