An American official involved in the negotiations said Saturday that Hamas' response does not fully endorse the framework put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, but is "largely positive."
According to the official, Hamas has accepted the general structure of the deal, including the number of hostages to be released, the number of imprisoned terrorists to be exchanged, and the 60-day ceasefire framework. This marks a departure from earlier positions in which Hamas demanded a longer, 90-day ceasefire and agreed to release a smaller number of hostages.
Key objections raised by Hamas
Nonetheless, Hamas is seeking changes in three key areas. First, it is demanding a slower pace for the release of hostages, rather than completing it within a week. Under Hamas' proposal, the final group, five living hostages, would only be freed on the 60th day of the ceasefire. Second, it wants a more defined timetable for the withdrawal of IDF troops. The current framework refers only to a "repositioning" of forces. Third, Hamas is insisting on a clearer US guarantee that the ceasefire will lead to a permanent end to the war and that Israel will not resume hostilities even if negotiations remain unresolved after 60 days. The proposed deal currently states that the ceasefire "may be extended" if talks are still ongoing.
Discrepancies between Israel and the US
The American official clarified that Hamas' reply cannot be considered an official acceptance due to its attached conditions, and that discussions are ongoing. Meanwhile, a senior Israeli official confirmed that Israel has not yet received Hamas' response to the Witkoff proposal from the US. "Once we receive it, we will study the details and act accordingly," the official stated.
Israeli officials had anticipated that Hamas would ultimately respond positively due to mounting pressure on the terrorist organization. One Israeli source said the proposed deal meets Israel's core demands, including the release of hostages, continued IDF operations until Israeli security is assured, and the maintenance of a new humanitarian aid mechanism that undermines Hamas' control over the population. If the reports are accurate and Hamas has accepted the majority of the framework, the source said, this would represent a significant Israeli achievement, and it is essential not to allow changes to the existing proposal.
Signs of Hamas' deteriorating position
On Friday, an Arab diplomat involved in the talks said Hamas' position appeared to be weakening, citing messages from parts of the group's leadership in Gaza pointing to operational and command difficulties among its combat units, supply shortages, and wage cuts.
At the same time, internal protests are intensifying, and most of the civilian systems Hamas operates are reportedly no longer functioning.
Details of the new Witkoff framework
As previously reported, Hamas formally submitted its response to the US envoy Steve Witkoff's hostage deal proposal on Saturday. In an official statement, the terrorist organization said the plan aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
According to the framework, 10 live hostages and the remains of 18 others would be released in exchange for an agreed number of imprisoned terrorists. The plan outlines two release phases to be completed within a week of the ceasefire's start. However, one of Hamas' comments proposes releasing the hostages in stages, similar to the previous deal, to ensure the ceasefire is upheld for the full two-month period.
